by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Three years ago, City Council passed an ordinance that addressed the homeless and panhandling situation and numerous other issues in the Business Improvement District.
One of the specific sections of the ordinance deals with posting signs all over downtown, informing panhandlers that begging for money is illegal. Although it has taken a while for the City and the Downtown Development Authority to formulate a plan, those signs will soon be evident throughout what is considered the “Riverfront Enhancement Area” — approximately 439 acres with a southern boundary of Prudential Drive and a northern boundary of Church Street.
Exactly what those signs will look like, where they will go and when they’ll be installed is still being debated. What’s not up for debate is that City leaders are intent on not just informing panhandlers that their actions are illegal and unwanted, but the law will be enforced.
“There are really two portions to the ordinance,” said Audrey Moran, Mayor John Delaney’s chief of staff. “One addresses the homeless in Jacksonville and the other addresses aggressive panhandling. We want to discourage and prevent any panhandling of our citizens and visitors. By aggressively enforcing the ordinance, it will limit panhandling.”
DDA managing director Al Battle said all the necessary City agencies have been working together to create an informative, legal and attractive sign that will be placed at several locations on the Northbank and Southbank.
“Location-wise, basically we will put them at points in which pedestrians and drivers can identify the signs as they enter the Riverfront Enhancement Area,” said Battle. “They will be simple signs that say ‘No panhandling’ or any other aggressive behavior. They will inform people the activity is a violation of a municipal code and the activity is unlawful. The City code number will be very prominent.”
Battle said he is working with officials at the Traffic Engineering department to determine exact locations and said about 10-15 locations will eventually be selected.
“Traffic Engineering has come up with a mock up and once we get their approval it’s just a matter of time,” said Battle. “I anticipate they will be up within the next 2-3 weeks.”
Moran said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has indicated police officers will take a very proactive approach to enforcing the ordinance.
“We have met with them and they have agreed to work with us, Downtown Vision and the DDA,” said Moran. “Panhandlers tend to be event driven. JSO will work with us at events using undercover agents.”
Battle said the signs will be placed at main pedestrian and auto entry points to the Riverfront Enhancement Area, which is also know as the Business Improvement District. The signs will be colorful and it’s been suggested that each one include a map of the BID and an asterisk indicating the location of the sign with a “you are here” designation.