Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/243343
Sarasota News Leader January 17, 2014 Page 24 Army," she said. "I was told by the police [the First Amendment [freedom of speech] issue. nun] had a permit. Next thing, she's got a card She has asked for permits, but I don't think table and a cooler and hand-painted signs, she's entitled to any." handing out paper and asking for money." Moyer listened to the discussion and then Sarasota Police Deputy Chief Steve Moyer, said, "I don't see any violation." who was at the BID meeting, responded, "This Neither opinion was well received by Corrigan is the first I've heard of it." or the BID's chairman, Marty Rappaport. "I Tim Litchet, director of neighborhood think it's time for Sarasota to stand up and and development services for the City of fight against the abuse of the Sunshine Law Sarasota, was called into the meeting. The and the First Amendment. We're just openCode Enforcement Department is under his ing this up, but it has to be addressed. This is jurisdiction. going to proliferate if we don't fight it." "A nun came in and asked for a letter and we refused," he told the BID board. "It's my understanding no permit has been issued, and I'm not sure we could issue any," he said. "The nun approached [City Engineer] Alex DavisShaw for a right of way use permit. Alex didn't know what the use would be." The BID represents commercial property owners on and around St. Armands Circle. Last year, board members had to turn over their personal computers after a Sunshine Law complaint was filed about their use of personal email for BID business. Litchet said the police and the city's purchas"I don't know what I would cite her for," added ing director should raise the issue of the nun's Litchet of the nun. "This looks like a potential solicitations with the city attorney. "This is a First Amendment issue, not a Sunshine issue," he added. "This is squatter's rights," said Corrigan. "This is not good for the district." % St. Armands is known for its upscale shops and restaurants. Photo by Norman Schimmel