DeLand targets panhandling and offers ways to help

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·3 min read

The City of DeLand wants residents and visitors to see the signs and, subsequently, a better way to help those in need.

Pending approval from the Florida Department of Transportation, new signage will be installed at multiple intersections throughout the city regarding panhandling, which is prohibited within 50 feet of the designated intersection.

In 2021, the city toughed its ordinance on panhandling, citing safety concerns for the people on both sides of the transactions occurring at some of the city's busiest intersections. The ordinance was updated again in 2022 to include an additional intersection.

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"People really care," City Manager Michael Pleus said Thursday. "I think they're really just trying to help people out."

The signs will say: Panhandling prohibited within 50 feet of this intersection – DeLand ORD. 21-29(b)(7)

In conjunction with the forthcoming signage, the city has partnered with the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia to encourage people to channel their desire to be charitable by donating directly to nonprofits and organizations with services that help people out of homelessness, also known as "Spare Change for Real Change."

And soon DeLand police officers be paired with caseworkers to help connect people in need with resources, Vicki Karr, a spokeswoman for the department, said in a news release.

The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia in DeLand.
The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia in DeLand.

How to help

Visit neighborhoodcenterwv.org to make a donation or for more information.

Where is panhandling prohibited in DeLand?

As of August 2022, panhandling of any kind is prohibited at the following intersections :

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and Violetwood Road.

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and Old Daytona Street.

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and United States Highway 92.

  • U.S. Highway 92 and Amelia Avenue.

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and Plymouth Avenue.

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and Beresford Avenue.

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and Orange Camp Road.

  • New York Avenue and State Road 15A.

  • Woodland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 17 and Taylor Road (15A).

Pleus said there are some intersections out of their hands due to Volusia County having jurisdiction.

Additionally, panhandling is prohibited at:

  • Bus or train stops.

  • Public transportation vehicles or facilities that include airports.

  • In any vehicle on a street unless a permit has been issued to do so.

  • In public parks, fairgrounds and sporting facilities.

  • Within a circumference of 25 feet of the site of any ATM, a vending machine or any other machine dispensing cash or within a painted "privacy zone."

  • In a government-owned parking lot or garage.

  • Within 1,000 feet of a school bus stop when children are present.

Why did the city amend its panhandling ordinance?

The DeLand Police Department informed the City Commission about vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and at what intersections they were prevalent, Vicki Karr, a police spokeswoman, said.

"As a result, these intersections were designated as high-risk intersections for pedestrians in the ordinance and as such are being regulated," Karr said.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeLand targeting panhandling with signs promoting giving campaign