BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

After listening to City Attorney Chip Fletcher’s explanation of what a partial ban on panhandling would mean, the Tampa City Council voted 4-3 to move ahead with the ordinance.

The ordinance on a partial ban was the idea of Council Chairman, Thomas Scott, who never accepted the idea of a complete ban.

Council-Chair Scott, along with some of his colleagues, felt a complete ban would hurt non-profit groups and vendors who depend on the money they collect either to help children with medical disabilities, or just to live.

According to the proposed ordinance, a partial ban would involve panhandling being prohibited on certain streets, mostly where the traffic is the heaviest.

Voting no on the proposed ordinance were Councilmen Joe Caetano and Charlie Miranda, and Councilwoman Yvonne Capin.

The ordinance now will move on for a second reading on February 3rd where a public hearing will also be conducted.

Most adamant about a total ban was Councilman Caetano, who initiated the effort for a total ban months ago, citing public safety issues. However, no evidence was ever produced to justify that panhandling represented a public safety issue, other than the arrogance of some panhandlers when they approach a motorist.

Council members Gwen Miller, Mary Mulhern, Curtis Stokes, and Chair Scott all voted in favor of the partial ban.