Lee County Sheriff Office quiet on enforcement cost

Officers issued over 1,021 citations citations 

The upcoming Boca Grande parking draft ordinance that will come before the Lee County Commission in August contains numerous references to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. 

It includes an array of parking permits, with four tiers, as well as rules for parking around the areas of Gilchrist Avenue, and for public events. The local deputy would be the one to define the “designated approved events of limited duration” that do not require permits, according to the draft.

The Beacon inquired to LCSO about the enforcement cost for the island, and staffing levels, in the event the ordinance passed.

“The island is fully staffed with deputies whose proactive efforts ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and visitors,” LCSO Public Information Officer Autumn King wrote in a statement
 to the Beacon.

“Should the Board of County Commissioners vote to enact an ordinance for parking regulations of any kind, our deputies will enforce violations as we do with all statutes and ordinances already in effect.”

Since January of 2024, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has issued 1,021 parking citations and 202 warnings for parking violations in Boca Grande, King wrote. 

“The responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of this ordinance shall lie with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office,” according to the ordinance draft. “Nothing herein precludes Lee County from hiring a private company to enforce the parking regulations to ensure compliance.”

The LCSO also has a duty to keep vehicle information, in case of theft: “In such instances, the vehicle registrant is required, within 48 hours after notification of a violation, to furnish to the Lee Count Sheriffs Office’s duly assigned deputies at Boca Grande Florida the name and address of the person who had care, custody, or control of the vehicle.”