July 9th Luncheon: Adam Tebrugge – “Can we end homelessness in Sarasota County?”

When we think “Sarasota” we generally think of the unique arts scene, beautiful beaches and plentiful sunshine. We don’t often think “homelessness.” But Adam Tebrugge, our July luncheon speaker, says that homelessness is a significant problem in our area.

Tebrugge, Chairman of the Board of the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, quotes statistics that may surprise you. Did you know there were more than 900 homeless school children in Sarasota this past school year? And that more than 23,000 people in Manatee and Sarasota counties received services in 2010 to relieve or prevent homelessness?

The numbers tell a story we need to hear. For almost half the homeless (45%), this isn’t a short-term problem; they’ve been homeless for more than a year. And the homeless didn’t move to the area for free services; 78% have lived in our community for a year or longer.

Tebrugge is a native Floridian and a graduate of New College and the Florida State University College of Law. He joined the Public Defender’s Office for the 12th Judicial Circuit directly from law school and spent the next 23 years litigating all types of criminal cases, eventually becoming the chief trial attorney in the homicide division.

A candidate for Circuit Court Judge in 2002, Tebrugge ran for Public Defender in 2008. He won a majority of the vote in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, but lost the election by one-half of one percent. He is now in private practice, handling serious criminal defense and appeals.

Tebrugge is married to attorney and teacher, Regina Tebrugge. He has two grown step-children.

Please join us at the Sarasota Yacht Club on Sat., July 9 to hear Adam Tebrugge tell us what we need to do to end homelessness in Sarasota. You will be pleased to learn about the Suncoast Partnership’s successes.

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