ST. PETERSBURG, Fla (WFLA) — A Bay area organization is looking to joins an ongoing legal battle between the city of St. Petersburg and a business owner. Last month, the owner of Shiso Crispy sued the city because she said they are not enforcing the state’s public sleeping law.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is representing the not-for-profit Progressive People’s Action (PPA), on behalf of the homeless population. PPA organizes to help meet the basic needs of others.

“We believe that our unhoused neighbors and friends have constitutional rights just like the rest of us,” said SPLC attorney Jacqueline Azis.

Shiso Crispy owner Ronicca Whaley filed a suit requiring the city to ban and remove individuals engaged in overnight sleeping and camping in or on public property. Whaley accused unhoused people of harassment and verbal threats.

“Arresting people or banishing people from public spaces will not end homelessness in St Petersburg,” said Azis. “Some of the allegations that the plaintiff made in her complaint have absolutely nothing to do with the Florida statute that she is bringing this case under. People sleeping is a completely normal and life sustaining activity.”

Whaley’s attorney sent a statement to 8 On Your Side:

“Ms. Whaley’s lawsuit isn’t meant to criminalize, punish, or ostracize anyone in the homeless community. She fully recognizes that homelessness is a complex challenge, one that calls for the City of St. Petersburg to step in and support those who need it most. The suit’s true aim is to encourage the city to deliver that essential assistance. At its core, this action simply seeks to enforce the law as it stands today, and Ms. Whaley hopes the city will move quickly to create solutions that serve both the downtown business community and individuals experiencing homelessness.”

The SPLC said the city could help by creating services to ensure housing instead of the punitive action they say the plaintiff, Whaley, is asking for.

“This lawsuit will decide the rights of people experiencing homelessness,” said Azis. “She is asking the court to order the city to prohibit and remove people who are experiencing homelessness from public spaces. This is an unconstitutional relief. People who are experiencing homelessness have rights just like the rest of us.”

The city of St. Pete and the plaintiff indicated they opposed PPA intervening in this case. There will be a hearing where a judge will decide.