Gainesville bans urban camping, aggressive panhandling - Gainesville Times

By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.

Gainesville bans urban camping, aggressive panhandling

Leaders say move meant to get people to resources; opponents say it criminalizes homelessness

A homeless man looks down on an encampment beneath the Queen City Bridge in Gainesville. Law enforcement later cleared the camp.

homeless — A homeless man looks down on an encampment beneath the Queen City Bridge in Gainesville. Law enforcement later cleared the camp.

The Gainesville City Council unanimously approved a pair of ordinances Tuesday that will address panhandling and urban camping, or living in public spaces.