Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/198837
Sarasota News Leader October 25, 2013 composed of representatives from a number of island organizations, including the Siesta Key Village Association, the Condominium Council and the Chamber of Commerce. Page 77 County Commission's action on Oct. 23, such a fine would be the only result for a driver who parked in a prohibited area on Avenida de Mayo. Patterson pointed out of Luckner, "She didn't "We've had a 'gazillion' cases here on the key" have a lot of confidence that the no-parking of people readily accepting the prospect of the fine if that meant they could find some[measure] would be enforced." where to park, Shay However, Patterson pointed out, even if it continued, "I don't I don't want [towing] to happen was not a legal space. want [towing] to happen on Siesta Key on Siesta Key unless our backs are just Further, he said, "We unless our backs are to the wall. We've had towing wars are just very lucky that, just to the wall. We've already on Siesta Key. They're very bad up until this point, we haven't had an emerhad towing wars for the businesses [and for tourism]. gency [on Avenida de already on Siesta Key. Nora Patterson Mayo] during high seaThey're very bad for Commissioner son. It could have been Sarasota County the businesses [and very, very severe." for tourism]. If you park on a street and get towed away, you're He told the News Leader, "The perfect sceprobably never coming back. It's a major nario would have been to have tow-away signs so we'd have some bite" to the board expense and a real hassle." action." In the interview with the News Leader, Luckner said that while towing was a major point of Still, he said, "We got something, so I am contention on the island in 2006 and 2007, a pleased with that." state law passed in 2007 prevents "frivolous Patterson expressed confidence that "deputowing" from private property. According to ties will not ignore the situation" on Avenida her reading of that law, she said, only a sherde Mayo once the no-parking signs are iff's deputy would be able to call for a tow erected. truck to remove a vehicle parked illegally on Avenida de Mayo if towing enforcement signs Moreover, she told her colleagues, the signs were erected; a resident would not be able to are not an expensive measure. "I think it's a decent compromise," she added. take such action. Further, Luckner said, the maximum towing A LINGERING CONCERN fine that could be levied would be $125. Patterson did note an email Shay sent her She and Shay both told the News Leader they prior to the commission meeting, which refwere aware of numerous occasions when vis- erenced another concern. It said, "While the itors had not been deterred by the prospect of analyses of the situation seem to favor 'staga $25 parking fine on the island. Yet, with the gered' parking in [500-foot] sections from