T
ampa City Attorney Andrea Zelman is accused of attempting to intimidate a consultant by threatening to suspend all zoning considerations after a judicial ruling that could limit municipal rezoning powers in Florida. The allegations stem from a letter written by attorney Ethan Loeb, who represents Liberty Group, the developer behind the proposed AC Hotel project at 800 South Harbour Island Boulevard.

    The controversy began when Hillsborough County Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe dismissed the project due to concerns that the Tampa City Council lacks constitutional authority to review zoning matters. Loeb claims Zelman suggested suspending zoning considerations while an appeal of the ruling is pending, allegedly becoming "combative" and threatening to "shut down" the process.

    Zelman has denied the allegations, stating she has known the consultant for decades and believed their conversation was a candid exchange. She maintains that her comments were mischaracterized by Loeb's letter. The city attorney also faces criticism from Loeb for not acknowledging the broader implications of Judge Moe's ruling, which he argues exposes flaws in the city's zoning process.

    Developers are now awaiting clarity on the city's next steps, with some expressing concern about potential disruptions to statewide zoning processes.