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City may soon join 'doggie dining' ranks

Council members will consider adopting the law.

By ALDO NAHED
Published July 21, 2006

TAMPA - Dogs will soon have their day in Tampa.

But not yet - officially that is.

City Council member John Dingfelder made a motion Thursday to have the staff draft a "doggie dining" ordinance. On June 2, Gov. Jeb Bush signed a bill into law giving local governments that option.

"There are some parts of town that would want to take advantage of this," said Dingfelder, whose dogs Phoebe and Moose will be able dine outdoors with him. "The most important thing is that it's voluntary to each restaurant owner."

Part of a three-year pilot program, the law lets local governments adopt an ordinance to exempt restaurants with outdoor seating from rules against dogs. It would apply only to restaurants that have applied for the exemption and been approved.

Last week the St. Petersburg City Council approved such an ordinance, permitting dogs with their owners to be seated at designated outside tables.

Tampa's assistant city attorney, Toyin Aina-Hargrett, said the ordinance will be presented for first reading at the Aug. 17 regular council meeting.

"This will be an opportunity for citizens to have comments," she said.

Council member Rose Ferlita, who has four dogs, said she can't wait to be able to dine alfresco with her pooches - but only at establishments that want to allow them.

"We have to be respective of everybody's rights," she said. "Those who like our dogs and those who don't want animals."

Aldo Nahed can be reached at anahed@sptimes.com or 813 310-0998.

[Last modified July 21, 2006, 06:38:17]