Magazine sales solicit warnings from police

It’s been a familiar sound on Longboat Key these days: a knock on the door or ring of the doorbell followed by a sales pitch, usually for magazines. And it’s usually a violation of the town’s codes.

So far this month, Longboat Key police have issued at least six warnings for soliciting magazine subscriptions without permits.

According to Chapter 112 of town code, “It is unlawful for any person to engage in the business of peddler … within the corporate limits of the town without first obtaining a permit and license therefore as provided in this chapter.”

The code’s definition of peddler covers virtually anyone traveling from place-to-place selling goods of any sort. Peddlers can obtain a permit by filing out an application with police and paying a $25 fee.

Police Chief Al Hogle said that he could not recall an instance of an individual seeking a permit for peddling in his approximately nine years on the island. He said that solicitations typically increase at the same time of the year on the island.

“We tend to see it around the holidays and when our winter residents are here,” Hogle said. “It’s almost a sign that our snowbirds are here.”

Last week, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office warned residents last week about a door-to-door scam in which college-age individuals claim to be raising money for a school trip or selling magazines. But Hogle said that police have seen no evidence of scams in the latest solicitation cases.

“They all appear to be legitimate,” he said.

Hogle recommends that residents contact police if they suspect that someone is soliciting without a permit.