Largo Amends Street Peddler OrdinanceNewspaper and charitable solicitations allowedBy Bill LopezSoliciting on public roadways and safety concerns related to the presence of solicitors and other vendors on street medians in Largo were reviewed again during the Largo Commission meeting on Tuesday. A code amendment was proposed as a way to address a prohibition of the sale of goods, wares, merchandise and services from city sidewalks. However, newspaper sales are exempted from this provision as this kind of activity is protected under the First Amendment allowing for freedom of speech and press. Largo City Ordinance No. 200902 also includes a reference to Florida Statute Section 316.2045, which provides an exemption for qualified organizations or individuals to conduct charitable solicitations on the streets, roads and right-of-ways within the city. Organizations or individuals who wish to conduct charitable solicitations pursuant to this statutory exemption are allowed to do so only upon receipt of a permit from the city. The city is required to issue this permit to an organization or individual that complies with the criteria established in the statute for receipt of a permit. The information that must be submitted before a permit is issued includes items such as the location of the proposed solicitation, a plan for the safety of persons participating in the solicitation as well as the motoring public and proof of insurance. The amended ordinance now states, "Nothing in this section shall prevent the sale of newspapers upon the sidewalks of the city of Largo." Regarding charitable solicitation the ordinance reads in part, "Nothing in this section shall prevent a the issuance of a permit to an organization or individual who qualifies pursuant to the criteria outlined in Section 316.2045, Florida Statutes to conduct charitable solicitations on the streets, roads or right-of-ways within the city of Largo. Contact Bill Lopez at blopezmmm@aol.com.
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