Gainesville officials say they aren t targeting panhandlers with a proposed law that would fine those who stand or sit in some traffic medians.
They are considered prime locations for numerous panhandlers across the city, but commissioners say the law is needed for safety.
Homeless advocates beg to differ, saying the proposed ordinance would further hurt a struggling population.
The law would not prohibit panhandling anywhere else on city property.
The Gainesville City Commission on Thursday gave the first of two nods to an ordinance that would allow police to impose a fine of $50 on anyone who sits or stands in a median 6 feet wide or less. Many of the city s intersections have medians that fall into that category.