Want to feel hassled? Try parking in downtown Sarasota

On a recent Saturday night, I saw a parking enforcement vehicle watch me as I parked near one of those “2 Hours Parking" signs on an otherwise empty street. After enjoying a leisurely dinner in a downtown restaurant, I returned, admittedly a little late, to see a ticket on my vehicle – which was on

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On

a recent Saturday night, I saw a parking enforcement vehicle watch me as I parked near one of those “2 Hours Parking" signs on an otherwise empty street.

Paid parking signs and parking enforcement vehicles are seen in downtown Sarasota on July 22, 2026. Sarasota business owners have urged city commissioners to reconsider recently expanded paid parking hours, saying the changes are hurting local businesses.

After enjoying a leisurely dinner in a downtown restaurant, I returned, admittedly a little late, to see a ticket on my vehicle – which was on a still-empty street.

I’ll pay the ticket, but what a waste of city resources.

If you’re thinking about visiting Sarasota, don’t.

You’ll get hassled, too.

Kurt Budke, Sarasota

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Want to feel hassled? Try parking in downtown Sarasota | Letters