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Store Owner Allowed To Sell Beer And Wine

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By KATHY STEELE

ksteele@tampatrib.com

Published: October 8, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A convenience store owner won tentative approval from the city council to sell beer and wine despite objections from three neighborhood and civic associations.

In a 4-1 vote Oct. 2, the council agreed that Sam's Discount Grocery Store, 4215 N. 15th St., can have an alcohol license with the stipulation that it can't change its daily hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"I think we all want to see the little store survive," said Councilman John Dingfelder, who suggested the operating hours rule. He and Councilwoman Mary Mulhern were absent when the vote was taken; Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena voted no.

Susan Long, president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, said a land-use committee voted to oppose the wet zoning. The committee includes members of Long's association, as well as the Southeast and South Seminole Heights civic associations.

"It's an area that has rising crime," Long said.

But Frank Otero, representing store owner Dana Galietta, said a door-to-door campaign yielded about 50 letters of support from residents. Many shop at the store, operated by Sam Abdi.

"Many of them know Sam by name," he said. Two nearby churches also supported the license.

Robert Salvia, Galietta's husband, said the store has struggled over the past five years. The hope is that alcohol sales will make Sam's more competitive.

A final council vote is set for Oct. 16.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

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