Sun Sentinel Broward Edition

Tamarac to ban panhandlin­g, solicitati­on on four busy streets

- By Lisa J. Huriash Staff writer

TAMARAC — Selling candy for a high school fundraiser? Panhandlin­g for cash to buy food?

It will all become illegal on several roadways in Tamarac, possibly as early as July.

The City Commission is set to give first approval Wednesday to a solicitati­on ban along its four busiest streets: Commercial Boulevard, McNab Road, Pine Island Road and University Drive. These streets make up only about 12 percent of the city but claimed 73 percent of all the city’s car crashes in 2013.

The ban “is not created to target panhandler­s or the homeless,” Sheriff’s Office District Chief Neal Glassman told commission­ers at a workshop Monday. But “due to the congestion of traffic,” having people solicit on these streets “creates a hazard.”

Tamarac is not alone in its efforts. Broward County discussed banning pan- handling at 20 busy intersecti­ons at its meeting Tuesday.

Palm Beach County is mulling a proposal that requires panhandler­s, protesters, peddlers and anyone else to stay off county roads, ramps and road medians while collecting money, waving signs or passing out materials, and enforces a $500 fine or up to 60 days in jail. The county voted on the plan Tuesday.

Glassman said warnings from his deputies should do the trick. Violators could also receive a ticket to appear before the special magistrate who would set a fine. Violators could also be arrested. “If we have to arrest them to remove them, we will,” he said.

Some South Florida cities, such as Boca Raton and the town of Palm Beach, have rules of their own intended to keep panhandler­s and other people from mixing with traffic on their roads. Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines rein in aggressive panhan-

dling. So does Hollywood, which defines “aggressive” panhandlin­g as continuing to ask for money after being told no, following or blocking someone who tries to walk away after being asked for money, or touching someone.

“Canvassers and solicitors pose a danger to themselves and the public at large by interferin­g with the safe movement of normal vehicular traffic,” according to Tamarac’s ordinance.

The City Commission agrees. “It’s not because we don’t want somebody on our corner, it’s just so clearly dangerous,” said Vice Mayor Pam Bushnell.

lhuriash@tribpub.com or 954-572-2008.

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