Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/356321
D u r i n g a J u l y 2 5 h e a r i n g , a C o d e Enforcement Special Magistrate dismissed a case involving outdoor dining violations at Bob's Boathouse, saying county staff handled the matter inappropriately. C o u n t y C o d e Enforcement Officer James S. Holderby had sought an eviden- tiary hearing against Bob's Boathouse on the basis of a Nov. 20, 2013, Notice of Violation for serving food and beverages in an outdoor area of the restaurant after 10 p.m., which is illegal on weeknights under county code. However, Holderby testified that county staff mem- bers had presumed the restaurant was in compliance from late 2013 until they began receiving emails in April alleging other- wise. April 23 was the first time since Dec. 16, 2013, that a Code Enforcement officer had returned to the The outdoor deck is easily visible to guests walking up to Bob's Boathouse from the parking area closest to Tamiami Trail. All photos by Rachel Hackney PROCEDURAL PROBLEMS A SPECIAL MAGISTRATE DISMISSES A CASE INVOLVING OUTDOOR DINING VIOLATIONS AT BOB'S BOATHOUSE BECAUSE OF THE LONG PERIOD BETWEEN OLD AND NEW INCIDENTS This is crazy. Based upon the testimony I've heard, I'm going to dismiss this and if you choose to re-file, then go ahead and re-file, and we'll take up appropriate notice. Meg Wittmer Special Magistrate Sarasota County By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor