By John Pacenti
The City of Delray Beach has suspended the permit for Coco Market, a popular wellness and community event, following a “serious incident” involving a dog attack that left a teenager with severe facial injuries.
City Manager Terrence Moore, on Feb. 20, notified event organizers at Cocoyogi, Inc., that their special event permit is suspended for three months. The decision stems from an incident on Feb. 8 at the city’s Old School Square campus, where a 16-year-old girl was bitten in the face by a dog.
According to city officials, the organizers authorized H3 Dog Rescue to display multiple dogs at the event despite the city’s special event policy. “You were not authorized to host an event with animals,” Moore wrote in the suspension letter, calling the incident “alarming” and a clear violation of the permission granted by the city.
H3 Dog Rescue is connected to the charity Hospital Helping Hands, founded by Rodney Mayo, who owns Dada restaurant and the Subculture coffee shop in Delray Beach.
The victim suffered a severe laceration to her upper lip and cheek that could result in permanent scarring, Moore wrote.
Representatives for Cocoyogi, Inc., were told they may resume hosting events in June, provided they “govern themselves accordingly” and adhere to all city policies. Further violations could result in a permanent ban.
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