Tampa Woman Accused Of Violating Orders By Renting Home For Party

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa homeowner has been accused of violating the governor's statewide orders forbidding renting vacation property during the coronavirus pandemic.

The violation came to light after a party was held at the rental property Friday night and a shooting occurred.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to 3209 W. Clinton St. in Tampa just before 1 a.m. Saturday after receiving reports of a shooting.

Deputies said several juveniles were involved in an altercation that led to shots being fired from a vehicle into the home. Those involved in the fight fled the scene before deputies arrived. No one was injured.

During the shooting investigation, deputies learned that the property owner, Natalia Rodriguez Cuervo, 23, rented out the property via Airbnb for two nights beginning April 17. The renters then hosted the party where the shooting occurred.

Cuervo told deputies she was unaware of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-103 which prohibits vacation rentals during the coronavirus pandemic. She was issued a Violation of an Emergency Management Rule or Order.

The shooting investigation is still in progress.

“Alleged ignorance of the law is no excuse for not following it. Our deputies have worked for weeks to educate and encourage the public to follow the emergency orders,“ said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “As I’ve stated continuously, we will continue to enforce the emergency orders, especially when blatant disregard for them puts the lives of others in danger. It is important that we hold those who violate the orders accountable, no matter who they are, so the sacrifice of so many is not wasted by the irresponsibility of the few.”