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Dog park settlement talks break down

A judge wants a trial date set in the disagreement over a Palma Ceia dog park.

By SHERRI DAY
Published July 28, 2005

TAMPA - The fracas over a Palma Ceia dog park continued Wednesday afternoon when a group of residents who filed a lawsuit against the city told a Hillsborough County judge they had failed to reach a settlement.

Hillsborough County Court Judge Charlotte W. Anderson instructed attorneys for both sides to schedule a trial date. But Anderson, who had previously urged the city and the residents to settle without her intervention, also renewed her call for compromise.

"It would be much better to work it out than have me make a decision for you," she said.

In an attempt to quell the residents' concerns about problems at the park, Anderson ordered the city to post a Parks and Recreation Department employee at the park during its busiest hours, between 5 p.m. and sunset Monday through Friday. The judge said she would consider requiring a weekend monitor.

The residents want the park to close at 6:30 p.m. City officials want to keep the park open until sunset or no later than 8 p.m., which is the case with parks throughout Tampa.

Wednesday's order was the latest development in a monthslong saga that pitted neighbors against neighbors. Their disagreement became public last year when a group of residents began complaining about problems at the park. That group, which includes 12 plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against the city in March, cited insufficient parking, foul odors, noise, safety and traffic.

The group also said parks officials had violated city policy by establishing a dog park that was smaller than the 1 acre required under city code. Since then, the City Council has repealed that section of the code.

City attorneys entered into settlement talks with the residents in April, shortly after their first court appearance. But talks broke down in early June when both parties failed to reach an agreement on park hours.

[Last modified July 28, 2005, 01:09:17]