Escambia County tightens camping rules, approves median restrictions after spirited public hearing

Escambia County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to broaden the county's definition of "camping" and to approve a related ordinance restricting use of medians, moves county officials say will give law enforcement clearer tools to address sidewalk encampments and dangerous median panhandling.

The camping ordinance amends the county's existing language so that "camping" can be enforced if officials reasonably observe someone using public rights-of-way or other covered locations as living space at any time of day, not only overnight. Allison, the county attorney, told the board the change reflects a statutory development and clarifies enforcement tools for situations where tents, blankets, storage of belongings or other setups are being used as living space.

"It shouldn't address simply the use of a tent," Allison said, describing the ordinance's focus on using…