FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale cigar shop owner Pat Patel has taken his fight to keep the legendary Native American statue outside his shop to the courtroom.
The statue, nicknamed Sosa, has been standing outside Patel's shop off Las Olas Boulevard for more than 20 years. Patel said his statue is an icon and many tourists like to come by to take pictures with it.
But last month, Patel received a letter from the city's code enforcement stating the statue was taking up too much space and needed to be removed from the sidewalk.
"I don't know what the problem is," Patel previously told Local 10 News. "I don't bother nobody."
City officials told Local 10 News it has received complaints on and off about the statue blocking part of the sidewalk. Officials said merchandise or objects that obstruct the sidewalks are not allowed and must be removed.
Officials said they have repeatedly asked Patel to move the statue closer to his store, outside his window.
Patel, however, said he has had the statue in the same location for years and pointed out other stores that were obstructing parts of the sidewalk.
During Thursday morning's hearing, a magistrate ordered Patel and the city to work together to come up with a solution.
"This is an icon for Las Olas," said Patel. "This is a beautiful gift for the tourists and many followers on Facebook. I hope we will work together and make a permanent conclusion and for the Indian to be left alone."
For now, Sosa gets to stay right where it is. As for Patel, he and the city have 91 days to come up with an agreement.
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