January 04, 2002 08:45am
Entertainment Network Says Tampa “Squandering” With Appeal To Supreme Court
Source: Entertainment Network, Inc.
by: Company Press Release
(TAMPA, FL) -- Entertainment Network, Inc. has accused the City of Tampa of squandering city resources by asking the U.S. Supreme Court to help it shut down the cyberspace dormitory that houses www.VoyeurDorm.com.
City Attorney James D. Palermo has asked the highest court of the land to overturn a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Last fall the appellate court ruled against the city, saying the city’s zoning ordinances do not apply to the residence where college coeds live before Webcameras, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The appeals court said VoyeurDorm.com operates essentially in cyberspace, not the city of Tampa.
“This latest action by the City is a further squandering of taxpayer money,” said David Marshlack, CEO of Entertainment Network. “We have never done anything wrong and have always been good neighbors. In fact, VoyeurDorm.com has been the catalyst in the creation of 180 jobs in Tampa. The city should use its resources to promote jobs, not eliminate them.”
VoyeurDorm.com has been a popular Internet destination since 1998. Customers do not visit the dorm, but Internet subscribers pay a monthly fee to peek at the residents as they study, work out, bathe and live the lives of college coeds. The Court of Appeals ruled that it is not subject to adult use zoning ordinances that were designed to regulate stores, nightclubs and other places where sexually-oriented business is conducted.
Attorneys Mark Dolan and Luke Lirot said they would file a response to the city’s writ of certiorari petition, arguing that it is unnecessary for the high court to hear the case. “The city attorneys make no new points at all in a straightforward case in which the appellate court found no adverse impact whatsoever. By definition there would not be any fallout because all commercial activity occurs in cyberspace,” said Mr. Dolan.
Tampa-based Entertainment Network, Inc. is a leading supplier of content for the Internet. In addition to Websites that reach consumers directly, ENI operates Web hosting and development companies.
CONTACT:
Ellie Reeve, 212-338-0050, elliereeve@aol.com
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