Winter Garden city commissioners unanimously passed an amended ordinance Thursday night to enhance public safety and impose stricter controls on solicitors and peddlers.The ordinance includes language changes and amendments to the city code, focusing on health, safety and welfare.Kelly Carson, Winter Garden’s planning director, said, “Those revisions include revising the definition of solicitor to include those requesting charitable donations or conducting surveys for commercial purposes while still allowing religious or political canvassing.”Commissioner Lisa Bennett expressed her support for the ordinance, noting, “I do know as District 1 commissioner I have had a lot of complaints from people downtown trying to eat, especially in the outdoor areas and having people coming up they can’t enjoy their evening.”Jason Berry, a Winter Garden resident, shared his approval, saying, “That’s good, I like to come out and not be bothered. I mean, I understand people have a job to do, but we come here to try to get some peace, away from the hustle and bustle.”Bennett also highlighted the issue of door-to-door solicitations. The ordinance would ban soliciting in public rights of way and includes provisions such as requiring nonprofit groups to obtain a solicitor’s permit and follow all solicitation rules, with the option to request a waiver of the permit fee.Additionally, it creates a no-solicitation list, allowing residents and business owners to opt out of having solicitors visit their property, as explained by planning director Kelly Carson. The police department will manage the list.These regulations do not pertain to panhandlers or people who request money for their personal benefit, as the city already has regulations surrounding panhandling. City leaders emphasize that the ordinance is intended to protect public safety and give the community more control over solicitations at their homes or businesses.
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. —
Winter Garden city commissioners unanimously passed an amended ordinance Thursday night to enhance public safety and impose stricter controls on solicitors and peddlers.
The ordinance includes language changes and amendments to the city code, focusing on health, safety and welfare.
Kelly Carson, Winter Garden’s planning director, said, “Those revisions include revising the definition of solicitor to include those requesting charitable donations or conducting surveys for commercial purposes while still allowing religious or political canvassing.”
Commissioner Lisa Bennett expressed her support for the ordinance, noting, “I do know as District 1 commissioner I have had a lot of complaints from people downtown trying to eat, especially in the outdoor areas and having people coming up they can’t enjoy their evening.”
Jason Berry, a Winter Garden resident, shared his approval, saying, “That’s good, I like to come out and not be bothered. I mean, I understand people have a job to do, but we come here to try to get some peace, away from the hustle and bustle.”
Bennett also highlighted the issue of door-to-door solicitations. The ordinance would ban soliciting in public rights of way and includes provisions such as requiring nonprofit groups to obtain a solicitor’s permit and follow all solicitation rules, with the option to request a waiver of the permit fee.
Additionally, it creates a no-solicitation list, allowing residents and business owners to opt out of having solicitors visit their property, as explained by planning director Kelly Carson. The police department will manage the list.
These regulations do not pertain to panhandlers or people who request money for their personal benefit, as the city already has regulations surrounding panhandling. City leaders emphasize that the ordinance is intended to protect public safety and give the community more control over solicitations at their homes or businesses.