St. Augustine leaders pass panhandling ordinance

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The St. Augustine City Commission passed an ordinance that will crack down on panhandling in the Ancient City.

The vote was 4-0.

The new law replaces the city’s previous ordinance, which St. Augustine police stopped enforcing last year after a judge ruled that a similar law in Tampa was an infringement on the First Amendment.

Police say there have been an increase in “aggressive panhandling” complaints.

Leaders called panhandling in St. Augustine a “crisis” last year, creating a safety issue and possibly impacting tourism.

Under the new ordinance, panhandling is not allowed within 20 feet of an ATM or a city parking meter.

For schools, it’s 100 feet.