A commissioner tries to write a check to get a permit for the Taste of Largo, but it's a no go.
By SHANNON TAN
Published September 15, 2005
It doesn't take much to stir things up these days at Largo City Hall.
On Wednesday, all it took was a check for $75.
But that one slip of paper resulted in a rare meeting between City Manager Steven Stanton and Commissioner Mary Gray Black.
It started Wednesday morning when Stanton was in his office and got word that Black wanted to write a personal check so Downtown Largo Main Street could get a special event permit for Taste of Largo.
She can't do that, Stanton said.
Minutes later, assistant city manager Mac Craig came back. Black wanted to talk to him.
"In person?" Stanton said, surprised. Previously, Black had refused to meet one-on-one with Stanton, saying such meetings violate the Sunshine Law.
Downstairs, building official Mike Sizemore hovered nervously around the desk where Black sat. Her $75 check made out to the city sat on the table.
Janice Chase, of Downtown Largo Main Street, said she thought the permit fee for Taste of Largo should be waived. No, said city officials. So Black offered to write a check, just to help. Officials said they would accept cash, but not Black's check.
"Just tell me what the difference is between check and cash," Black asked Stanton.
You can't get a permit in someone else's name, Stanton said. But if Black wanted to give Chase the cash, Chase could then cut a check for the permit.
"This is silly," Stanton said of the dispute.
"It's not being issued to me," Black said of the permit. "Show me where the policy is."
The episode, which unfolded in front of a Times reporter, was embarrassing, Stanton said.
"I'm not showing you anything," he said.
Then he left.
Chase went to the parking lot to get her checkbook out of her truck.
And Black walked out, too, muttering that you can't do anything anonymously at City Hall anymore.
