Deltona allows snake owner to keep reptiles for time being

Deltona allows snake owner to keep reptiles for time being

By BOB KOSLOW
Staff Writer
DELTONA -- A homeowner here with more than 50 venomous snakes, including cobras and rattlesnakes, will be allowed to keep the reptiles, for now.
City commissioners tabled a request by Brian Radenberg of 3051 Snow Drive to waive city codes that prohibit keeping venomous snakes. City officials want to see if Radenberg's state license for venomous reptiles from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission overrides the city code.
"I am not familiar with the license or the details of the case," Acting City Attorney George Trovato said. "Maybe it does supersede any of our ordinances or prevents such a city code. It may be possible that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has the right to have the wild animals in the city boundaries and we can't prevent that."
Commissioners gave Trovato 30 days to report back about the status of the city code relating to a state license.
But, Trovato may not be making the report.
The commission also set a Feb. 6 workshop to review applications for the city attorney position that has been vacant since Nov. 12 when Roland Blossom was fired and Trovato appointed as an interim.
"Like we did the last time, we will have an open discussion of the candidates and have public interviews," Commissioner Michele McFall-Conte said.
Eager to complete the process as soon as possible, commissioners would schedule a special meeting before Feb. 18 to interview selected candidates and pick a city attorney.
The city has 12 applications, including Trovato's.
An investigation into another case of a renter who is licensed to have venomous snakes at 1418 Independence Ave. led city code enforcement to ask the state for a list of license holders, said Dale Baker, director of enforcement services. Radenberg is the only other one, and just one of six in Volusia County, according to state records. There are no licensed venomous reptile owners in Flagler County.
Some nearby residents are scared of the numerous snakes.
"I am looking out for the safety of the children," resident Bessie Robinson said. "If his snakes are allowed on this one, more people will have them and it will become a problem."
Others aren't worried.
"My 5-year-old daughter goes over there. We are over there often watching TV and the snakes don't bother us," said Jennifer Self, who lives across the street from Radenberg. "He takes very good care of the snakes and he is very responsible. That's the kind of neighbor I want. There is no way the snakes can ever get out."
Radenberg, 37, said he's kept venomous snakes since he was 5 as a hobby. Some snakes he has had for 20 years. He doesn't sell snakes and he sometimes donates snakes to labs for venom.
State standards must be met before a license is issued. Cages and locks are required and the snakes are doubled-bagged and locked up when a hurricane approaches, Radenberg said.
"There are annual inspections and even surprise inspections," he said. "I have done everything possible to comply with Florida law."
However, Radenberg said he has 10 nonvenomous snakes and city code limits a home to five pets.
bob.koslow@news-jrnl.com

http://www.news-journalonline.com/Ne...ST01012308.htm