EEOC investigaes discrimination in Local Panhandling Trade.

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
ST. PETERSBURG --

A new investigation by the EEOC into panhandling in Pinellas county may lead to fines and charges.

Although over 20% of the homeless in Pinellas county are African American a recent survey showed that 97% of corner-side panhandlers are white.

"This is unconscionable" claimed EEOC Commissioner Victoria A. Lipnic. In addition the report finds African American panhandlers are often relegated to corners in poorer neighborhoods and virtually no tourist traffic. "Tourists are where the money is at" claims black panhandler spokesperson Trevor Jenkins the third.

Panhandling International Trust Services who has the concession form the county to run panhandlers simply say they don't receive enough qualified African American candidates. "We look for veterans with good bushy grey beards and people who are missing limbs" claims Rev Buford Dingle who runs the Pinnelas county chapter. Dingle claims he would be more than happy to have more minority workers "but they have to be willing to let themselves go more" he claims.

Dingle also claims that his employees are all independent contractors that simply pay for services such as sign creation and van trips.


According to Bay News 9's partner newspaper the St. Petersburg Times, Pinellas county is trying to balance what is fair with what appeals to tourists. " People, esp Canadians prefer the Gabby Hayes look" Claimed someone close to the county "We want our panhandlers to make people feel better not to frighten them." She quickly corrected herself to state " Its not a black/white issue young people panhandling makes people feel uncomfortable about their future. We want our panhandlers to invoke a nostalgic time when homelessness was a choice."