(This article appeared in Watermark in 2006. Since it ran, Rep. Shari McInvale has been defeated for re-election.)

ORLANDO – In a legislative year that saw a lot of legislative proposals sniffed over, the locally pitched "Doggie Dining Bill" easily became law this spring.

Gov. Jeb Bush appeared in Orlando recently to sign Senate Bill 1172, the Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act. As a result, local governments will now have the authority to create variances to current laws to allow restaurants to open outdoor patio dining areas to dogs and their owners.

The bill-signing ceremony was held at Sam Snead's Restaurant, where the owner had circulated a petition to change the no-dogs-allowed law. That restaurant, as well as several other area dining spots, had developed a loyal following of customers by offering pet menus in their outdoor seating areas. State health inspectors ultimately shut down the practice, citing health code violations.

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan was contacted to get a leg up on changing the state law. Sheehan then sought support from state Rep. Sheri McInvale, R-Orlando, who ultimately sponsored the House bill. State Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, sponsored the bill in the Senate.

The bill was in danger in the Senate until Aronberg named the legislation after well-liked Destin Sen. Charlie Clary's dog, Dixie Cup.

"This is a quality-of-life issue for many residents and businesses living and operating downtown," said Sheehan. "The passage of this legislation in Tallahassee and to see the governor sign it into law is democracy at work."

Sheehan was not the only pundit to see the new law as a piece of whiz-bang legislation.

"This bill is, at its very core, permissive in nature," McInvale said. "Far too often in Tallahassee, we draft and pass legislation that is restrictive in nature and tells the public what they cannot do. This bill does the opposite. It tells local governments, restaurants, and ultimately the citizens of our state, 'Here is something you can do.'"

The ceremony was attended by both two- and four-legged creatures alike. Sheehan brought Maxine, her Chinese crested – a primarily bald dog, save for a few white hairs on its head that many are calling "the new gay poodle." Bush had been expected to bring his own black lab, Marvin, to the ceremony until the dog died only three days before.

The new law takes effect immediately and cities can now enact an ordinance allowing local restaurants to apply for permission to open their patio doors to dogs. The Orlando City Council is expected to take up the ordinance in early August. Its expected passage won't come soon enough for some pet owners.

"I would love to be able to take my best friends on a calm and relaxing dinner date," laughed Luiz Oliveira, about his several Chinese Cresteds. "For many of us in the gay community our pets are the closest thing we'll ever experience of parenthood. A mother and father wouldn't leave their toddler home alone while they go grab a bite. And I know many dogs that behave a lot better than children in public."
–W Kirk Hartlage