PLEASE COMMENT ON ARTICLE: Putnam County passes one of Florida’s toughest sex offender ordinances after ‘Predator Camp’ outcry
Months after a storm of community outrage over what neighbors called a “predator camp,” Putnam County has enacted one of the strictest sex offender ordinances in the state of Florida.
The controversial park at the center of it all — CCM Park on Balsam Street — once housed more than 22 registered sex offenders living in proximity. The situation sparked public concern, a series of investigative reports, and ultimately, sweeping legislative action.
Putnam County Sheriff Gator DeLoach said the situation at CCM Park was the turning point.
“Well, that was certainly the catalyst for the introduction of this ordinance,” Sheriff DeLoach said, “And it’s our hope and desire that this ordinance is an effective tool for us to help eliminate that problem from ever creeping up on us again.”
The ordinance, which was passed on August 26th and is now in effect, increases the residency buffer zone for registered sex offenders and predators. They are now prohibited from living within 2,500 feet of schools, childcare facilities, school bus stops, parks, or playgrounds — more than double the 1,000 feet required by Florida state law.
It also bans offenders from living within 500 feet of one another unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Under the new rules, sex offenders and predators cannot live in multi-family dwellings, manufactured home parks, or condominiums if more than 10 percent of the occupied units are already housing registered sex offenders.
Leota Wilkinson, Chair of the Putnam County Commission, said the new rules send a strong message. “If you’ve offended, then you might not wanna come and live in Putnam County.”
[FAC NOTE: FAC IS ORGANIZING A LAWSUIT AGAINST PUTNAM FOR THIS RETALIATORY ORDINANCE. IF YOU ARE IMPACTED BY IT AND WANT TO BE A PLAINTIFF, PLEASE CONTACT [email protected].]
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This Putnam county ordence would never have happened if fac would have helped the 22 victims instead that help the person that caused it Julie Martin
Mr. Draper, I have no idea what you are talking about when you suggest anyone (other than the sheriff or lawmakers) “Caused” the ordinance or that we helped that person “cause” the ordinance.
Timothy
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