State Rep. Alex Andrade yesterday filed a bill (HB 759) forbidding panhandling under certain circumstances, specifically banning individuals from approaching motor vehicles.
Under The Solicitation of Contributions Act, the term “panhandling” means requesting of another person that he or she give money or anything of value for the private use of the person making the request.
A person also may not engage in panhandling:
(a) Within 50 feet, in any direction, of:
1. An entrance to or exit from commercially zoned property.
2. A bus stop or a facility as defined in s. 496.425(1).
3. An automatic teller machine or an entrance to a bank.
4. A parking lot, parking garage, parking meter, or parking pay station.
5. A public restroom.
(b) Within 100 feet, in any direction, of a child care facility or school attended by any students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
Other places where panhandling would be banned include Public Right-of-Way and Public Transit. A person waiting to enter a commercial establishment could not be approached.
Read bill.
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Escambia Names Top 5 Teacher of the Year Finalists
Escambia County Public Schools has announced the Top 5 Teachers of the Year nominees. Nominated teachers will compete for selection as the school district’s overall Teacher of the Year.
They are:
Candice Blackburn — Molino Park Elementary
Priteyja Olige Brannon — C. A. Weis Elementary
Tammy Jo Dublin — Hope Horizon
Cassi McGee — Pine Meadow Elementary
Rionna Wages — Lipscomb Elementary
“We are proud to honor these outstanding educators,” stated Superintendent Keith Leonard. “They are a great representation of all of our employees, and we would like to take time to thank them, as well as all of our employees, for all of the hard work and dedication they contribute to our students each and every day.”
The overall Teacher of the Year for Escambia County Public Schools will be announced in early February, and honored, along with all district teachers of the year, at a special event.
