Daytona Beach, FL-A rewritten ordinance decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in Daytona Beach was oked last night by Daytona Beach city commissioners on a unanimous vote. That's a first reading. It will go to a public hearing June 1. It will require approval on a second reading before it actually takes effect.
The ordinance would give police the option of writing a ticket for possession of 20 grams or less. Police would still have the option of arrest. A charge would always be made if the pot is found while the suspect is being arrested for a more serious crime.
At an earlier meeting, city commissioners asked the ordinance be more clearly written. Last night, Commissioner Ruth Trager expressed interest in provisions in Orlando's recently oked ordinance which includes the option of drug court or community service in lieu of a cash fine and a limit to the number of times a person can be issued a ticket for possession before more serious penalties kick in. Commissioner Rob Gilliland said he understood that Volusia County Council would be discussing the recently oked ordinance in effect in unincorporated parts of the county and he would like to see the direction the county takes before any changes to the wording of the city ordinance are considered.
2016 Southern Stone Communications Copyright
