Here in the midst of summer, parking is plentiful in The Villages.
But snowbird season will be here before you know it and parking once again will be at a premium.
District officials have been talking about parking behind the scenes and district counsel Valerie Fuchs recently met with local law enforcement to discuss the issue.
The districts do not have the jurisdiction to regulate parking or enforce traffic control devices on its right-of-ways or parking area. The counties and municipalities have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, post and enforce the state’s uniform traffic laws and their related ordinances over the streets and highways, according to a memo drafted by Fuchs.
When it comes to parking and towing in particular, counties and municipalities have the authority to make and enforce the rules.
Community Development District 7 recently agreed to look at the cost of signs to remind villa residents that the courtesy parking areas are for guests and not to be used as a second driveway by residents. While CDD 7 has the right to post the signs, enforcement is another matter. In the past, law enforcement has indicated it will tow parked cars only if there is a safety issue involved. Who is parked in which spot, isn’t likely to get a response from law enforcement.
With The Villages’ population now topping 100,000, the influx of vehicles continues. The typical home has at least one car and one golf cart in the garage.
Snowbirds will be back before you know it, and parking will once again be at a premium.
District counsel’s recent memo on parking in The Villages follows:
