Deputies crack down on Siesta parking

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been cracking down on parking violations in Siesta Key Village, especially monitoring Avenida Milano and Avenida Madera. Sheriff's Office Sgt. Scott Osborne said the deputies have been handing out a lot of tickets for those streets, which were the subject of newly-imposed parking bans.

A parking ticket is $25, unless someone parks in more restricted areas like bicycle lanes. Then, the fine increases to $74.50.

Osborne said that his usual three-person unit writes about 100 tickets per month — or more.

“I don’t count,” he said.

The next two months bring on a challenge for the Sheriff’s Office every year: Spring break brings an influx of students onto the popular barrier island. Osborne said the Key gets extra staffing — on horseback, bicycle, and squad car.

“In March and April, we bring out everyone,” Osborne said.

During spring break, the Sheriff’s Office uses a special administrative order that allows deputies to write a fine for out-of-state violators instead of having to make them come back to Sarasota for a court date.

This order helps the Sheriff’s Office target underage drinking and other crimes related to spring break activities without having the complications of dealing with people who live outside the county or state.