Seek shelter elsewhere

Thursday, June 16, 2005

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Sexual predators will not be allowed in hurricane shelters in Hillsborough County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is the latest to speak out about sexual offenders not being welcome in public shelters.

Sheriff David Gee wants to keep offenders away from the general public, even during a hurricane.

County commission members voted unanimously Wednesday to not allow sexual predators in public hurricane shelters.

The county isn't the first Florida community to take such action.

Jacksonville city officials approved legislation requiring sex offenders to reveal their criminal record to a shelter operator before walking in the door.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is also suggesting using the county jail as an emergency shelter for sex offenders.

Manatee County is also considering what to do with its 260 sexual offenders during a hurricane.

Gee said sex offenders would be arrested if they come near any shelters.

The commission staff is expected to come up with recommendations by July 20 about where the offenders could go.

The American Civil Liberties Union is critical of the idea. Critics said it fails to give offenders equal protection.

A Bay area county commissioner is also asking county leaders to look into ways of displaying photographs and personal information about sexual offenders in and around public parks.