Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/227385
Sarasota News Leader December 13, 2013 Page 44 "We are not imposing anything on municipalities, but should they have a desire to opt in, that would be great," Patterson added. "And we are open to any suggestions. I don't think it will be a problem." Vice Chairman Charles Hines added that he, too, wants to work with the cities and that the board message was clear on that point from commissioners' concerns expressed at the dais Wednesday. "Please watch this meetPatterson noted that she supported the ordi- ing," he said in a comment directed to local nance process at this time because she was elected officials in the municipalities. "We're "listening to the attorney." not trying to be Big Brother." The commissioners asked county staff to draft a letter to send to the cities to generate commission or council reactions. Patterson said she wanted the correspondence to "make it clear we are open to input." During the upcoming public hearing, commissioners will be able to discuss the possibility of allowing charities to solicit donations in the public rights-of-way, a practice some cities allow. When it comes to regulating panhandling, a cohesive countywide approach is the ultimate According to a county staff report, six of the goal, Commissioner Joe Barbetta pointed out. Florida local governments with a panhandling ordinance do not allow any solicitation "Hopefully, [the cities without such ordinances] would adopt ours, and there is no by charitable organizations, while five allow conflict with the city of Sarasota," Barbetta exemptions or a permitting process for such said, referring to the latter municipality's pan- groups. Tampa, for instance, allows charitable solicitations on Sundays only. % handling regulations. County Commission Chairwoman Carolyn Mason listens to a presentation. Photo by Norman Schimmel