A one-legged homeless man in a wheelchair camping out at a Fort Fanning Historical Park has spurred city council members to consider passing an ordinance against panhandling and no solicitation.
According to Fire Chief Ron McQueen at last Tuesday's city council meeting, the vagrant – as Mayor Cheryl Nekola has coined him - is costing the city money.
The man reportedly slumps down in his wheelchair and those who pass by either stop to give him money or they call 911, McQueen said. Once first responders arrive, the man assures them he is fine.
But that's not all, according to officials. The man has also been spotted bathing nude in a water faucet near the park's playground.
Nekola said that she considers the man’s presence on city property to be "inhumane" and a liability. She also said the Gilchrist County Sheriff told her that without an ordinance in place there is nothing they can do.
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