Council tentatively approves soliciting measure

PORT RICHEY -- Confronting the growing presence of solicitors at U.S. 19 and Ridge Road, the City Council on Tuesday night tentatively approved an ordinance that could exclude use of the busy intersection for collectors.

If approved on second reading next month, the ordinance also would regulate door-to-door salesmen, requiring them to obtain a permit and barring their work between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

The council unanimously supported the proposal, though Mayor Eloise Taylor asked City Attorney Paul Marino to look into a possible conflict with state law giving more leeway to charitable groups.

No one spoke against the ordinance.

The problem surfaced around Christmas, City Manager Vince Lupo said, when a group of solicitors started showing up at Ridge Road and U.S. 19 asking for donations.

Since then, there have been numerous complaints about their behavior and safety, and that of motorists.

"Our position is one of safety, common sense," Lupo said in an interview Tuesday. "It's not being displayed by the solicitors. There is a death waiting to occur."

Based on a county ordinance, the Port Richey proposal would require solicitors to be at least 17 years old and to wear high visibility vests. Roadway solicitation could not occur before 7 a.m. and after sundown.

It would be illegal for someone to accost, intimidate, obstruct or grab a motorist. Violations could result in a fine up to $500, 60 days in jail, or both.

But before anyone hits the streets, an organization would have to obtain a permit from the city. The city manager, in conjunction with the police chief and other officials, would take into account the location, number and age of solicitors.

That discretion could preclude use of U.S. 19 and Ridge Road, Lupo said. "I don't believe any sane person would say that corner is safe. We might say, I'm sorry, you'll have to chose another corner, he said."

An organization would pay a fee, possibly $25, for the permit. City Attorney Paul Marino said the intent was not to generate revenue but to know who is on the streets.

Insurance for personal injury and property damage would be required and an organization would be limited to four permits per year. The city could refuse a permit to a group that does not document its charitable purpose.

Regarding, door-to-door salesmen, the ordinance aims to prevent transient workers offering services and to counter people who use the guise of sales to scout for unoccupied homes, Marino said.

Mayor Taylor questioned how that provision could limit school groups or the Girl Scouts' annual cookie sale.

Marino said they would not be affected. Nor would the ordinance be intended to limit the use of road medians by hawkers of the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Tribune, Marino said.

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