Tampa City Council lowers water fines

TAMPA -- Two weeks after increasing the fines for illegal watering, the Tampa City Council on Thursday lowered them again, saying the previous vote was a mistake.

The council had raised the fine for the first offense from $100 to $150 for a first violation and increased later fines as part of an ordinance that allows for instant tickets for code violations. But they didn't realize that would increase water fines as well. This morning they moved them back to the original rates, which are $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $450 for the third offense.

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer