PETA offers ads for parking meters

PETA learned of Sarasota’s plan to install parking meters downtown and has an offer for the city.

The animal-rights group will pay the city to put some of PETA’s advertisements on the meters that promote a vegan diet.

Vegans don’t eat meat or any foods that are derived from animals, such as eggs or milk.

PETA has written a letter to Mayor Kelly Kirschner, proposing that it could help with the city’s budget concerns by paying for those ads.

It read in part: “We're sure that many of your residents dread the new revenue-raising parking meters that will soon line downtown Sarasota's curbs, but our idea will give drivers something to smile about while boosting the city's struggling finances and encouraging Sarasotans to curb unhealthy eating habits.”

The ads feature an attractive woman in revealing law enforcement-type clothing, with the message, “Going vegan is your ticket to good health.”

Parking meters could be installed before summer surrounding three city public parking garages — Palm Avenue garage, Second Street garage at Whole Foods and the Ringling Boulevard garage at the justice center.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].