Gasparilla Island: ‘By permit only’ signs installed beginning today

Signage related to the new parking ordinance is beginning to be installed across Gasparilla Island, including near the Gasparilla Island State Park. A Lee County crew  was out at the south end of the island on Belcher on Thursday morning.

Tim Engstrom, public information officer for Lee County, confirmed that the sign installation did indeed begin today, and referred questions about enforcement to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

“Installation began today and is expected to be complete by the end of November,” said Engstrom, in an email to the Beacon. The Beacon has reached out to LCSO about enforcement, but has not heard back.

In August, the county stated that it would not be “fully enforced until program details are rolled out (ie signs, permit process, etc.).” The ordinance itself states that it is not enforceable until signs are installed. The clause reads: “This Ordinance shall not be enforceable until such time as signs are installed at the direction of Lee County in the locations the County deems necessary to inform the public of the parking restrictions.”

The county has yet to offer or discuss how the parking permit process will be implemented.

Photos by Cheryl