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Commission directs attorney to draft 'puppy mill' ordinance fix, orders parks forum and agrees to amend FDOT lawsuit
Summary
Commissioners gave consensus direction for three staff actions: have the city attorney draft changes to close a loophole in the city's puppy‑mill ordinance (targeting misuse of the 'hobby breeder' exception), direct consultant/employee input and then hold a publicly noticed parks forum, and amend and refile the city's FDOT complaint (dismissal was without prejudice; 30 days to amend).
During commissioner reports the commission took three consensus actions: to ask the city attorney to draft amendments to close a loophole in the city’s puppy‑mill ordinance, to direct staff and the consultant to gather employee input and then host a publicly noticed parks and recreation forum, and to proceed with amending and refiling the city’s complaint against the Florida Department of Transportation.
Commissioner Brody described a loophole in the current ordinance that some actors have exploited by labeling commercial sellers as 'hobby breeders' or outsourcing breeding out of state; he asked for consensus to have the city attorney draft language to remove the loophole. Commissioners agreed and asked that the draft be circulated for review before formal public notice.
On parks, commissioners said they want a two‑stage outreach: first the consultant should meet with parks employees to gather internal input; second, the city will hold a publicly noticed community forum (coaches and registered participants to be notified) where commissioners will observe and listen. Several commissioners emphasized that elected officials should be observers at the forum.
City Attorney Hebron told the commission the court recently granted FDOT’s motion to dismiss but allowed 30 days to amend; commissioners agreed by consensus to pursue amendment and refiling with more specificity. Staff will circulate ordinance language and schedule the parks forum following employee engagement.
