Plaza protest ordinance is finally settled; adopted in 3-to-2 vote

By 7:00 p.m. the members of the Commission of the City of StAugustine had adopted a new ordinance; one that makes it clearer and easier for city police to preserve the peace during times of protest while protecting the safety of protesters, counter-protesters, and event goers within the Plaza de la Constitution.

In what has been a two-year process for City Attorney Isabelle Lopez, the loose ends were tied up tonight to allow for peaceful protests of government actions and the expression of opposing points of view, while still providing a reasonably equal opportunity to be seen and heard by citizens in the city’s largest and longest running public forum.

The approval of the ordinance was by the same 3-to-2 split that moved Ordinance 2018-16 from first reading to second reading, legislative public hearing, and final vote.  Mayor Shaver, Commissioner Roxanne Horvath, and Commissioner Leanna Freeman voted to support the measure.  Vice Mayor Todd Neville and commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline voted against approval.