County Commissioners Want Predator-Free Zones
County commissioners want predator-free zones Wednesday, February 21, 2007 The Hillsborough County Commission wants to create protection zones banning sexual predators and offenders. If Hillsborough County commissioners have their way, sexual predators won't be able to visit parks, libraries and other places populated by children. They are being called "child protection zones,'' and the council wants to discuss installing them throughout the county. Commissioners, who are meeting today, also are tackling the issue of changing some residency requirements for sexual predators and offenders. The council also is debating just how far away from schools, churches or playgrounds registered predators can live. This isn't the first time commissioners have debated this issue. Last Thursday, the Tampa City Council attempted to make changes to its predator laws but county attorney Rene Lee said the idea of not allowing predators to live within city limits could be unconstitutional. The ordinance, proposed by Commissioner Ken Hagan, would go further than the current restrictions prohibiting predators from living within 1,000 feet of a church, school or playground. He wants child protection zones that would be off-limits to anyone convicted of sexual crimes against children. http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/2/21/225333.html?title=County+commissioners+want+predator-free+zones