New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe suggested at the City Council meeting on Tuesday evening that he had received phone messages from a resident who was upset about the way young males in the City were wearing their pants. Marlowe and the City’s Attorney referenced a ban passed in Ocala this year that outlaws pants on City property worn two inches or more below the waist. Police Chief Kim Bogart said that he has heard complaints from members of the public about the issue.
No mention or plan was made for the creation of an ordinance, and implementation for New Port Richey would seem to be a good distance off.
The current fine for a violation of the City ordinance in Ocala is $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Mayor Marlowe was later quoted in a Times Editorial saying that he didn’t support going forward with the ordinance. However, at the time of this posting the original Times article had been shared 114 times and had a large number of comments, suggesting that the damage to the City’s image as far as “serious topics” has already been done.
By Jon Tietz
New Port Richey Mayor Suggests Banning Pants Worn Too Low
It would be a great addition to the ‘Get off my lawn’ ordinance proposed by the older residents and council members.
I didn’t EVER support drafting an ordinance and told the city attorney that BEFORE the meeting even started. The original article took my complaint regarding a severely broken voice mail system out of context. The Times Editorial got it right.
I guess I should be happy that the reporter missed my next item in communications and reports, which was relaying a constituent request that we be sure to install beer taps on the new playground equipment…