Child Safety Ordinance receives new life
An amended version of the Lee County Child Safety Zone Ordinance is now on the books following a unanimous vote by the Board of County Commissioners.
The ordinance was adopted in 2009 to keep sexual predators and sexual offenders away from facilities primarily designed for use by children including, but not limited to, schools, public swimming pools, youth club facilities, amusement parks, skate parks and video arcades.
A sexual predator or sexual offender discovered in such locations while children are present could be subject to arrest.
The ordinance was challenged in circuit court and, in December 2009, a judge ruled some of its language was “overbroad.” The Lee County Attorney’s Office clarified the language and presented the amended ordinance, which the Board passed.
Sheriff Mike Scott says that by clarifying some of its language, the Child Safety Zone Ordinance is now stronger than ever.
“It tells sexual predators, unequivocally, to stay away from our children, or they’re going back to jail or prison,” he said.