Riviera Sidewalk Blocking

January 1998: Valentin Rodriguez successfully challenged a city ordinance in Riviera Beach that prohibited persons from obstructing public passageways, and when doing so, had to give legitimate reasons for being on sidewalks, road, etc. The law was ruled unconstitutional, and ultimately, the criminal charges were dismissed against many defendants, and the City agreed to pay compensatory damages to those illegally arrested under the ordinance. (See Palm Beach Post article titled: Sidewalk Violations a Cash Cow for Riviera Beach, published on June 27, 1997, and Riviera Sidewalk Blocking Ordinance Unconstitutional, published on October 17, 1997).