ST. PETE BEACH â Owners of four lots at 2707 Pass A Grille Way have filed a lawsuit against the city that alleges a city commissioner exerted influence that caused staff to first approve, then reject their permit for a nearly $1 million dock expansion project after the work was completed.
In a lawsuit filed Feb. 18, the property owner asked the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court for âdeclaratory and injunctive relief with an underlying amount ⦠that exceeds $30,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorneys fees.â
During the Feb. 23 City Commission meeting, City Attorney Andrew Dickman said âabsolutely and unequivocally ⦠political pressure just doesnât happen.â He blamed the error, which caused the dock to initially be approved, on staff not realizing a restrictive covenant ran with the land and the application should have been denied or changed.