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St. Pete Revives Vehicle Impound In Drug, Sex Cases

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TBO.com

Published: July 21, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - After suspending its use for five years, the St. Petersburg Police Department today resumes enforcing a city ordinance that allows officers to impound any vehicle used to transport drugs, conduct a drug deal or arrange a meeting with a prostitute.

The ordinance first was put into effect in 1999, but it was suspended in 2003 when a lawsuit in Hollywood, Fla., challenged the legality of a similar law. Eventually, the Florida Supreme Court upheld the Hollywood ordinance.

St. Petersburg's ordinance allows officers to impound any vehicle they think was used for prostitution, lewd and lascivious acts or for purchasing or using drugs. The vehicle's owner must be the one committing the crime.

To recover their cars, owners must pay an administrative civil penalty of $500.00 plus towing and storage fees. If they choose to contest the seizure, they have 15 days to request an administrative hearing before a hearing master.

If they take no action within 30 days, their car will be deemed abandoned and turned over to the towing company.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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