Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/277189
sections from Avenida de Cortez to Avenida Del Norte. The goal was to ensure emergency vehi- cles have sufficient room to traverse the street, as stipulated by the National Fire Protection Code. In her email, sent just before 8 a.m. on March 8, Merkle pointed out that while she appreci- ated the board's efforts, "I am sorry to say … that the signs are confusing, even to those of us who live on the street." That confusion, cited by Sheriff's Office depu- ties in early February, led to a moratorium on enforcement until county staff could reassess the situation. Commissioner Nora Patterson, who lives on Siesta Key, asked for such action after hearing Deputy Chris McGregor remark on the signage during a report at the Feb. 6 Siesta Key Association (SKA) meeting. Merkle continued in her March 8 email, "I can- not really fault the drivers because the signs are ambiguous and so far apart. In one case the arrow of a sign is pointing into someone's driveway." She added, "The confusion can be alleviated if the signs clearly state: 'No parking any time on street or right of way,' and if a couple more are erected." "I think one only needs to walk the first block of Avenida de Mayo to see the problem," she pointed out. Patterson responded to Merkle, copying Chief County Engineer James K. Harriott Jr. and County Administrator Tom Harmer, saying, A new 'No Parking Any Time' sign has been attached to the sign pointing drivers to the municipal lot, which has an entrance/exit on Avenida de Mayo. Photo courtesy Marlene Merkle Sarasota News Leader March 14, 2014 Page 65