VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – On Tuesday, a Volusia County commissioner is expected to propose new rules to crack down on local sex offenders.
District Three Councilman Danny Robins told News 6 that he wants to make the county safer, so he compiled data from law enforcement agencies including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Using that information, he said that he determined that Volusia County ranks in the top five statewide for sexual offenders and predators.
“While reviewing our code of ordinances or municipal codes, I really didn’t see anything for sexual offenders or sexual predators, and I know how important that is for our community...” he said. “We’re sure as hell going to do something about it.”
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the county is home to approximately 1,267 registered sexual offenders and approximately 120 sexual predators.
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Robins said it is likely there are more sexual offenders among the transient population.
He plans to present the following three proposals during Tuesday’s county council meeting:
- Establishing a sex offender and predator section in the county’s code of ordinances
- Creating designated children’s play areas,
- Using funds to put more surveillance cameras in parks and playgrounds
Robins said that while gathering data, he found that 26 offenders live near Chisolm Elementary School, and 35 live near Holly Hill School. These are just two of about 64 schools with sexual offenders living nearby.
“All this should be an eye-opener,” Robins said.
He has garnered the support of multiple law enforcement agencies and even State Attorney R.J. Larizza for the proposed ordinances.
In establishing a sex offender and predator section, the county could prohibit people convicted of certain sex crimes from living within 1,500 feet of daycares, playgrounds, parks and schools. State law currently sets that figure at 1,000 feet.
Brittany Mistretta brings her children to Thornby Park often, and she told News 6 that she hopes to see more safety policies put into place.
“I constantly have to keep my eyes on my kids to make sure that they’re in eyesight because something can happen quickly in the blink of an eye,” she said.
Robins especially condemned any criminals who target children.
“I think there’s a special place in Hell for these people that prey — just being quite frank — for these people who prey on our children the way that they do,” he said. “It’s a sick bunch.”
According to Robin’s data, Orange County ranks as No. 1 in the state for sexual offenders and predators. News 6 reached out to Orange County officials about the county’s policies and is awaiting a response.
In Volusia County, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said his department is constantly performing proactive checks and operations.
Tuesday’s council meeting starts at 4 p.m.
You can read through Robins’ full proposal in the media viewer below.
Item 04 11031 Supplemental Documents by Anthony Talcott on Scribd
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