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interests in both parcels so it could help preserve this historic and valuable community asset . By 2022 , the series of acquisitions was finally completed when the court entered a stipulated order of taking . The only outstanding issue was compensation for the taking — the subject of today ’ s mediation . After mediation , I ’ m off to Tampa Palms for a site inspection in response to a complaint of tree removal from a wetland conservation area without a permit . Along with City Code Enforcement , Natural Resources staff and County Environmental
Protection Commission staff , I traipse through heavily wooded areas on foot and in sport utility carts to assess the extent of the tree removal and collect evidence of potential violations of City Code . ( Evidence gathered during this site visit was later used to prosecute a case against the property owner before the City ’ s code enforcement special magistrate .)
I return to the office midafternoon and spend an hour or so editing a draft ordinance . As 5:00 approaches , I start making final preparations for a City Council evening meeting . Public hearings for alcoholic beverage permits , rezoning applications , and many other land use matters are held in the evening so that interested parties have an opportunity to attend and voice their support or opposition . It is not unusual for these meetings to last well into the night . There are only a few items on this night ’ s agenda , and I dare to hope it will be an early evening .
It ’ s exciting to be a part of the Legal team during this pivotal time in Tampa ’ s history , and I am thankful to play my small role in helping chart the course of her future . n
Author : Susan Johnson-Velez - City of Tampa Legal Department
Welcome New HCBA Members OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022
Cathy Hart Samuel Hart III Brian J . Hart Chase Howard Kierstyn Jennings Steven Jimenez Tyla Jones Sarah Theresa Kamide Elizabeth Jane Kellar Marta King Safa Kudia
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