Florida truckers say “complaint driven enforcement” of parking ordinance is creating a nuisance

Truckers in southern Florida say that “complaint driven enforcement” of local parking ordinances is creating a nuisance for them and their families. 

Cape Coral, Florida resident Jovonnie Eltagonde says that her truck driver husband received a citation from Cape Coral police on Christmas Eve, along with an orange sticker warning that the truck could be towed. 

“I understand this is a residential area, but it’s just — where are our trucks supposed to park?” Eltagonde said to Gulf Coast News.

Another resident, Jim White, said trucks frequently park along Ceitus Terrace Road, but he doesn’t see it as a problem. 

 “They’re here all the time,” White said. “Maybe not the same trucks, but there’s always trucks here.”

White says he is opposed to the recently approved city ordinance banning commercial vehicles and trailers from parking more than two hours in public rights-of-way, which includes residential streets. In some areas, commercial vehicles are also prohibited from parking on these streets from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Cape Coral Police say that violation of the ordinance can lead to a $100 fine per day, and there is the potential for vehicles to be towed, but enforcement of the ordinance is mostly complaint driven. 

“We need somewhere to go,” Eltagonde explained. “We’re the heartbeat of America.”