MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A new safety ordinance in Manatee County will prohibit panhandling on busy roads.
Manatee County commissioners passed a new ordinance this week that bans the exchange of money, or anything from a vehicle to a pedestrian.
The purpose, according to commissioners, is to improve pedestrian safety.
This stems from an increase of accidents involving pedestrians and an increase in aggressive interactions between pedestrians and drivers.
"I think it's a good step because I definitely see it as a safety issue," said Adell Erozer, executive director of Turning Point.
Starting next week, it will be illegal for panhandlers or pedestrians to remain at the medians of highly trafficked roads in “unincorporated” Manatee County.
