by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
In an attempt to deter prostitution solicitation in Jacksonville, City Council member Suzanne Jenkins is taking the lead in drafting legislation to establish harsher penalties and fines.
“It’s gotten out of hand here and it’s not just in the commercial corridors. That’s one thing,” said Jenkins. “There are well-established neighborhoods throughout many of the districts in Jacksonville who are complaining about this. They’re demanding action.
“Prostitutes are literally being dropped off and picked up right in front of people’s homes. Johns [men who solicit prostitutes] are driving around and harassing women who just want to go for a walk on their own streets. It needs to stop and I’m ready to do something about it. I want to know what can be done.”
Jenkins, who said she will likely introduce the legislation in a few weeks, is currently doing some research to see how other cities are addressing the problem.
“I don’t want to bring anything half-baked, so it will be a little while before I can get all the facts,” she said.
Council research assistant John Jackson, who gathered a substantial amount of background information, concluded that many jurisdictions in Florida typically refer to State statutes — a second degree misdemeanor for the first offense and a first degree misdemeanor for subsequent arrests — when punishing for sexual procurement. However, Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale all have additional penalties, including fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and may serve as policy models.
“I’m definitely going to push for stiffer civil penalties and I want the names of the men who solicit prostitutes to be published,” said Jenkins. “I’m going after the johns.”
During his eight-year term, former sheriff Nat Glover opted to keep the names of prostitution offenders private.
“He said he felt it would be embarrassing to their families if the arrests were made public, but I’m not interested in doing that [protecting the johns families],” said Jenkins. “I’m interested in protecting the rights of the citizens in these neighborhoods and I’m interested in protecting the quality of life.
“Right now, we’re arresting these guys and nothing is happening. That’s unacceptable. When I get something drafted, I plan to ask for cooperation from the sheriff’s office and judges, too. After I meet with the Office of the General Counsel, I may lobby at the State level to get something done, if that’s what I have to do.”