Parking enforcement in the city of Sarasota will be overseen by the Sarasota Police Department as of Oct. 28, following a decision by City Manager Karie Friling.
In an Oct. 1 memo, Friling outlined the reason for changing oversight from the Planning Department to Sarasota Police.
“This is an organizational and operational decision focused on three things: employee safety, customer service and stronger coordination in the field,” Friling said in a prepared statement. “Our parking employees are among the city employees who have the most frequent face-to-face interactions with residents, businesses, and visitors.
“They also work independently in the field, sometimes in difficult or confrontational situations,” she continued. “I believe our employees
will benefit from the training, communication, field support and safety resources available through the Police Department.”
Friling told the Sarasota City Commission on Oct. 5 that she “had the opportunity to break bread” with parking enforcement specialists and is confident that the transition will go smoothly.
What prompted the decision to move Sarasota parking enforcement to the police department?
The Oct. 1 memo came about a month after a Sept. 2 confrontation between a parking enforcement specialist and an employee of a St. Armands Circle restaurant, though the incident was not referenced by Friling.
That confrontation resulted in Bradenton resident Anita Grace Valdez, 61, being charged with aggravated battery on a public servant, according to a Sarasota Police Department probable cause affidavit.
According to the PCA, Valdez reached for the lanyard attached to the parking enforcement specialist’s ID card, in an attempt to read the specialist’s name.
Valdez allegedly made “aggressive contact” with the chest of the specialist, who was not named in the affidavit because of Marsy’s Law.
There has been a perception that the city has stepped up its enforcement of parking violations following a move this summer to extend paid parking hours and increase fines.
The decision to extend paid parking hours was walked back by the Sarasota City Commission on Aug. 3, though the increased fines remained in place.
What are the parking rules for the city of Sarasota?
Parking rules are enforced from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday in most of the city. Parking in time-restricted spaces is allowed for up to two hours.
In Sarasota’s Judicial District — defined by the city as Main Street and Ringling Boulevard east of U.S. 301 — that enforcement is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All other on-street downtown parking is enforced from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost for both is $1.50 per hour.
Parking in a spot monitored by ParkMobile costs $1.50 per hour.
Parking in any of the three garages in downtown Sarasota and on St. Armands Key costs $1 per hour.
Since the Aug. 3 city commission vote did not roll back fine levels, a time violation or unpaid meter is a $30 fine, while an expired registration or parking outside a marked space costs $40.
What’s next?
Friling, in her statement, emphasized that the change was not meant as a criticism of parking employees but as an opportunity to rethink how the city approaches parking.
“I want our parking employees to be viewed not simply as enforcement officers, but as community ambassadors,” Friling said. “Enforcement and compliance will remain part of their responsibilities, but so will education, problem-solving, assisting residents and visitors, supporting our businesses and providing exceptional customer service.
“With the Police Department, we will strengthen training in communication, de-escalation, customer service and field safety,” she continued. “This also reflects the broader direction I am establishing throughout the City organization.”
In an internal memo to staff, Friling wrote: “We will continue working on improvements to the overall parking program, as well, including simplifying programs where possible and developing business-oriented services such as validation and valet options.
“Even small gestures of hospitality can matter,” she added. “Whether it is offering directions, helping someone navigate downtown, or even having a dog treat or lollipop available during an interaction with a family, these moments help define what public service looks like.”
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota police will take over parking enforcement this month
