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Location Makes A Difference In Sarasota When It Comes To Water Citations

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By JACKIE BARRON

jbarron@wfla.com

Published: March 27, 2009

SARASOTA - Near the Ringling Causeway Bridge it didn't take long to spot a homeowner soaking his lawn about 11 a.m. today.

It was a violation of two watering rules.

The restrictions allow watering on Tuesdays or Thursdays only, based on even or odd addresses. Restrictions also bar watering any day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

"I think our residents have been very responsive," said Javier Vargas of the city of Sarasota Public Works Department.

Vargas said that despite the actions of a few, most folks comply with the restrictions.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District stepped up watering rules and sanctions last month as the area entered one of its worst droughts on record.

Sarasota has had just five complaints about water abusers in the last month. It's the reason the city has not hired water police, and, unlike other areas, does not issue water citations.

"What we are doing is trying to educate our residents," Vargas said.

If a business violates the rules, like a bank spotted watering today, the city sends someone to talk to the manager.

But step outside the city limits and it's a different story. Sarasota County has handed out 133 citations since March 1. Each costs violators $103.

"We pretty much have patrols 24 hours a day," said Tony Gipe of the county's Water Core Services department.

He said when tickets get mailed his phone starts to ring.

"Most of them want to plead their case," Gipe said. "Our biggest issue seems to be they don't know how to set their timer or they're not familiar with their timer or they have a landscape company or a maintenance company that does it for them."

It doesn't make a difference, he said. Violators must pay the fine or contest it in court.

Still, Vargas said the city doesn't believe it makes sense to spend money it doesn't have on tickets it doesn't need.

"We're not making the decision yet to hire additional personnel because that costs [money], and we don't think that's the best way to approach the problem," Vargas said.

For proof he points to the numbers. Vargas said Sarasota has witnessed a 10 percent reduction in water usage without issuing a single fine.

Reporter Jackie Barron can be reached at (813) 221-5708.

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