City suspends vendor after dog-bite at Cocoa Market; DDA and city review permitting

Board members pressed staff and the city on a recent dog-related injury reported at the Cocoa Market and on the level of oversight for event permits.

"How did we allow it to happen?" one board member asked, pressing for details about how an unapproved vendor with dogs set up at a special event. Assistant City Manager Jeff Forrest told the board the city had not been aware the particular vendor would be present, and that the vendor had been suspended for three events (a three-month suspension defined as three events), the event producer was cited and a special magistrate hearing is scheduled. "She was banned from all events," Forrest said. "We put a moratorium at the time for dog events. We will be revisiting that at some point in the future, but we want to make sure we know exactly what happened."

Forrest said the city will review what changes can be made to permitting and on-site approval processes to reduce the risk of similar incidents. Board members asked who would carry responsibility in the short term and were told the investigation is ongoing and staff are coordinating with the city. "We were not aware that it wasn't approved until all this happened," a DDA staff member said during the discussion.

Board members emphasized concern for the injured minor and urged prompt follow-up. City and DDA staff said they would share findings when the investigation and review are complete.