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Towing Bill Moves Forward

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE

cwade@tampatrib.com

Published: December 3, 2008

PLANT CITY - Legislation designed to crack down on rogue towing companies in the Tampa Bay area is working its way up to Tallahassee.

Hillsborough County lawmakers on Tuesday gave a nod to a bill that would give the county's Public Transportation Commission enforcement powers over towing companies that target cars on private business property without the owner's written permission.

Approval of the measure by the 16-member delegation means it will be submitted for consideration by the state House and Senate in the upcoming legislative session.

Rep. Michael Scionti, D-Tampa, who is sponsoring the bill in the House, said local law enforcement agencies are too overwhelmed to deal with rogue towing companies.

"It has created an undue burden on their respective agencies," Scionti said, adding that numerous local towing companies support the measure.

"There's just a few renegades here and there," said Ginger S. Darling, owner of Nationwide Towing in Clearwater. "The majority of towers are very careful and conscientious of the laws and very concerned about serving the customers."

The delegation also unanimously approved a bill to change Tampa's pension plan for general employees so that it complies with all federal regulations. State Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, who is sponsoring the legislation, said it also empowers the Tampa City Council to alter the plan to conform to future changes of federal law.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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