Sarasota News Leader

04/26/2013

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Sarasota News Leader April 26, 2013 Page 32 not face a legal challenge" following further "There are five classifications of streets: major and minor arterials, major and minor arterattention to its crafting. ies and interstate connectors," said Fournier. OFF THE MEDIAN "This reinforces the safety issue in a non-arbitrary way. It makes the ordinance more deThe ordinance bans people in the roadway fensible." from soliciting motorists. Most commonly, people stand in the medians of busy streets One area used for "sign flying" does fall outside the comprehensive plan's orbit — Orange near stoplights at intersections. Avenue south of Mound Street. However, the The ordinance was passed on first reading on medians there are away from traffic signals. April 15, with an expedited second reading Commissioner Shannon Snyder moved to added to an already scheduled budget worksend the ordinance back to Fournier for more shop on April 23. Fournier said the effective work. But the motion died for lack of a secdate would be April 29. ond. The intent is to keep the pubic off the medians. "This is aimed at people going into the roadway to have an interaction with the occupants of a vehicle," said Fournier. "This will not allow anyone, including firemen, unless we change it later." Firefighters in the past have run their "fill the boot" fundraising campaigns from medians. Commissioner Terry Turner then moved to approve the ordinance, and the motion passed 4-1 with Snyder in the minority. "I do think we're going to have a problem and it won't stand up to a [legal] challenge," said Snyder. "I think we'll be back here in 60 days, reinventing the wheel." The ordinance does not apply to activity on The ordinance utilizes the thoroughfare plane the sidewalks, including political sign waving, section of the city's comprehensive plan to des- commercial advertising ("dancing signs") or ignate which streets are included in the ban. panhandling in general. % The intersection of Beneva and Fruitville roads in Sarasota is one where people regularly stand in the medians, seeking handouts from drivers. Photo by Norman Schimmel

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