Median ordinance could hurt newspaper peddlers

Monday, October 6, 2008

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Guthrie Freeman sells a newspaper Sunday in St. Petersburg. Watch the story. Watch Video

ST. PETERSBURG (Bay News 9) -- It's a common sight on area roads: people standing on the median selling newspapers or soliciting for charities or for themselves.

But starting Thursday a new St. Petersburg City ordinance will make it illegal for anyone to stand on medians unless the person is crossing the road.

Guthrie Freeman's has sold newspapers from a St. Petersburg median for so long that he knows many of his drive-by customers by name.

"We're out here trying to survive," Freeman said. "We're out here every Sunday cause this money we make off these helps with our rent, our food."

The ordinance passed last week in a 7 to 1 vote. City officials say the ordinance is about promoting safety.

Newspaper peddlers won't be the only people affected. Homeless panhandlers, politicians, and even firefighters will also be kicked to the curb.

"We felt this will severely impact our ability to collect donations in our annual boot drive for MDA," said Rick Pauley, executive vice president of the St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters.

The St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters says this year alone generous drivers helped them fill their boots with $25,000.

The city of Lakeland passed a similar ordinance in August. People there caught violating the new ordinance could face a fine up to$500 or spend up to 60-days in jail.