ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando city commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance Monday that would allow police officers to take immediate action against anyone who intentionally blocks a sidewalk and refuses to move.
Orlando Police told News 6 that the amended city ordinance, if passed fully in January, would apply to anyone, including homeless residents who block sidewalks. It can also be for people soliciting, marketing and even cars or objects blocking the way. They said it’s not meant to disproportionately affect anyone.
Christopher Outlaw said he’s disabled and has called the streets in Orlando’s Parramore community his home.
“Where can we sleep at, the Salvation Army, the coalition don’t have that many beds together,” said Outlaw.
“I understand and I sympathize with the plight of those who are homeless but when we start blocking our sidewalk and our roads, it does create a safety issue,” said Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill whose district covers part of the Parramore community.
The amended ordinance says anyone In violation could face a fine of up to $500 and/or jail time up to 60 days.
Orlando police say this all comes after complaints, particularly in downtown Orlando. from people who live and work in the area and also business owners about people refusing to move from the sidewalk.
“This isn’t a homeless issue where we want to arrest homeless people. It is a safety issue and the officers will suggest they keep it moving and go to one of our day centers,” said Hill.
Orlando city commissioners just approved $6 million Monday to improve and expand the day services at the Christian Service Center for things like mental health and health care.
It’s part of a $58 million federal grant to address homelessness across the city of Orlando.
“Certainly I’m not in favor of criminalizing homelessness in any way but I’m also not in favor of people being able to obstruct sidewalks and not adhere to the rules and laws as they exist today,” said Eric Gray, executive director of the Christian Service Center.
Orlando city commissioners are set to vote on the second and final reading for the sidewalk ordinance on Jan. 8.
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