Never Mind the Public Sidewalk; Walk in the Street

John here.

Following a recent "repair" of the fencing at 6003, the driveway gate now opens outward, where it blocks the sidewalk. Here is how it looked this morning.

I asked Carolyn to keep notes: It was blocked for four or five hours Sunday and all day Monday. She was out early and back late, so we don't know about yesterday.

The Tampa Code of Ordinances provides:

Sec. 22-8. - Obstructing streets, sidewalks, alleys, etc.; exceptions.

(a) It is unlawful for any person to place in or upon any place, street, sidewalk, alley, landing, wharf or pier owned or controlled by the city and located within the city limits any article or thing without a permit therefor, unless such article or thing is otherwise authorized by law.
(b) If any such article or thing shall be placed in or upon any such place, street, sidewalk, alley, landing, wharf or pier without lawful authority, the official, without notice, is authorized to cause such article or thing to be removed to some convenient place designated by him. The cost of such removal shall be charged to the owner of the article or thing or to the person responsible for placing, establishing or fixing the article or thing in violation of this section.

In light of the City's failure to control the mess at 6003, despite 31 visits and 62 notices by Code nonEnforcement, I expect this is just another law that doesn't apply at 6003 N. Otis.