Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/305631
O n A p r i l 1 8 , S h a y e m a i l e d C o u n t y Commissioner Nora Patterson, who lives on the island, to say that while the "No Parking" signs had been up for only about two months, he did not feel they were "working as a deter- rent to keep the [right of way] completely open and safe." He proposed a higher fee or signage indicating violators would have their vehicles towed. That same day, Shay reported in an email to other SKA board members — a copy of which he provided to the News Leader — that he had called the Sheriff's Office about six cars being parked illegally on Avenida de Mayo. When a deputy arrived about 15 minutes later, he added, the deputy said he had observed many of the tickets written on Avenida de Mayo were going to repeat offenders. The deputy — whom Shay declined to identify — also told Shay that as he completed writing one citation on April 18, the owner of the vehicle approached him and asked why the deputy was giving him a ticket. The driver added that he had been parking there for years. Shay said the deputy concurred with him that the $25 fee is not a deterrent in such cases. In interviews with the News Leader this week, two county commissioners had differ- ing views on raising the fine. "It's true; people may decide that $25 is worth it so they can park" and not worry about their vehicle being towed, Patterson told the News Leader on April 30. Asked if she would be willing to raise the fine, she replied, "I hate to do it. There is a bad taste in somebody's mouth when they have to pay a fine." Add-A-Closet at 329 Avenida de Mayo was advertising parking spaces for $10 during Siesta Fiesta, according to residents on the street. Contributed photo A homeowner near the intersection of Avenida de Mayo and Avenida de Cortez reportedly violated the county code by selling parking spaces in his yard during Siesta Fiesta. Contributed photo Cars were parked in a homeowner's yard near the Avenida de Mayo/Avenida de Cortez intersection on April 27. Contributed photo Sarasota News Leader May 2, 2014 Page 67