BRANDENTON, Fla. — Manatee County leaders are taking a new approach to panhandling.
- Manatee County passes ordinance restricting panhandling
- County says move is to protect drivers and panhandlers
- Homeless advocates also say additional resources are need to aid the homeless
A new ordinance has been approved to restrict panhandling. County leaders said the move will keep both pedestrians and drivers safe.
Traffic and panhandlers are commonplace in Manatee County.
"In driving myself I’ve almost had people run in front of my car," said Adell Erozer, an executive with Turning Points, a homeless assistance program in Bradenton.
Between 2017 and 2018, there was a 159 percent increase in pedestrian-vehicle collisions, according to county officials.
They say one of the biggest cause of the jump is panhandling.
People in intersections asking for money are easy to spot in Manatee County.
The increase has led county commissioners to pass an ordinance prohibiting the act of panhandling or any type of pedestrian interference on the road.
The ordinance would allow panhandlers to be cited if they remain in an intersection for more than two traffic light cycles. Repeat offenders could face fines up to $500 or 60 days in jail.
The new ordinance is set to go into effect in late October. Officials also said organizations doing legitimate fundraising in intersections would have to adjust their plans as well.
Officials said the rules are to protect drivers and panhandlers.
Joe Vasta, who said he has been homeless for most of his life said he has been hit by car mirrors while panhandling as vehicles speed past him.
"Panhandling was a way of life," Vasta said. "I just used to walk to to people and say 'listen can you spare a quarter.' "
Addell said more programs are needed to aid the homeless.
"Theres more and more people becoming homeless, and there is less and less resources," Addell said, adding that she hopes the new ordinance will highlight the need for more resources. "We really need the people to respond and get the resources we need to serve these people."