Panhandling in Sarasota: Readers Sound Off

Should Sarasota curb panhandling?

That question was posed to Sarasota Patch readers. They responded. Loud (virtually) and clear.

The city is considering a new ordinance to regulate roadway soliciations as a safety issue, after an outright panhandling ban was challenged in court. Panhandlers asking for money and political candidates passing out flyers would both be ordered off roadways, under the new rule.

Based on comments by Sarasota Patch readers, residents are eager for the new retsrictions to be passed into law.

Annie Moore wrote: "This problem is totally out of control. Last year while Driving to work on St. Armands Circle. I would see the same people pan handling daily, at many different hours of the day. Always the same man. Every Day!!!"

Teri Sax, a local realtor, is worried about the negative impact a growing number of panhandlers is having on the local economy: "Each of my clients is rightfully appalled by the blight these panhandlers have created to what they believed to be 'Cultural Capital' of Florida... This infestation must stop and quickly. Our tourist and real estate industry is in jeopardy if it does not.

John Garvey also has lost his patience: "Calling these people homeless is telling only a small part of the truth. The people we are referring too would be homeless and jobless in a great economy."

A reader using the moniker "Proof Is in the Pudding" writes that the city should tax the panhandlers on the dollars collected: "For everyone that is on the street panhandling the city sends someone to sit with them and count the money they get so that we can make sure they are taxed on it."

But Michael offered a contrasting view: "Let's face it, Sarasota is a city overrun by successful Type-A personalities who really don't care or have any empathy towards those who are down and out. It's a place marketed as some Utopian dream. Anything that upsets that false reality is immediately banned and made unlawful under the guise that the conduct is harmful."

Added Blue Maggot: "I've been tempted to go out and panhandle. I've got a BA and MA, tons of on-the-job experience, and I had to move back home with my family--which is the only thing that prevented me from being homeless myself..."

Finally, Concerned Taxpayer offered a solution: Don't give the panhandlers anything, and the problem will go away.

"Please do not give anyone money, food, or articles at an intersection in  arasota and surrounding county. Please do not make eye contact to anyone standing near your vehicle. If EVERYONE keeps their pockets and purses closed, this business group of panhandlers will move on."

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