ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Pinellas County judge on Tuesday dismissed the motion for a third-party group to join a homeless lawsuit against the city of St. Petersburg.

Restaurant owner Ronicca Whaley filed a lawsuit against the city in July, claiming the city was allowing homeless people to sleep overnight on public property.

It's one of the first lawsuits filed under a new state law.

Whaley alleges the city's conduct is hurting her business by enabling atrocious behaviors .

The city in September asked the judge to dismiss Whaley's lawsuit , stating it was based on vague assertions.

Earlier this month, Judge Williams also denied the city's motion to dismiss Whaley's complaint.

The Progressive People's Action asked the judge to intervene in the lawsuit, saying the case could affect the

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