Longboat continues no tolerance policy for unloading trucks on GMD

Car haulers beware: Longboat Key officials are cracking down on illegally parked trailers. 

As more residents return to the barrier island for the season, town officials are aware that means trailers carrying out-of-state cars will also start arriving.

Or as Town Manager Howard Tipton put it, the changing of the “leaves” is on the way, but instead of leaves it's license plates. 

Town commissioners brought up the issue at the Oct. 2 regular meeting, though Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips had already begun sending out notices about the regulations. 

Car haulers are not allowed to park on Gulf of Mexico Drive, nor in the right of way. 

“We know it’s more convenient, but it’s not safe,” Tipton said. 

The large trailers block the view of other drivers, and can cause traffic hazards due to other drivers and pedestrians not being able to see around them.

Longboat Key Chief of Police George Turner is aware of how serious the issue can be. He said years ago, before his time with the department, fatal accidents occurred that were caused by car haulers blocking the road. 

To mitigate the impacts these carriers are expected to have, the town created a designated spot for residents to have the cars unloaded. 

The designated public location for car haulers to deliver vehicles is at 595 Bay Isles Road, across from Mediterranean Plaza.

But in this designated area, the car haulers still cannot block any driveways or park in a no-parking zone. If they do, they run the risk of a $75 fine. 

Longboat Key is handling the issue with a no tolerance policy. If the police department responds to any calls about the haulers on GMD, it could result in a $116 fine. 

But Turner said the department is trying its best to be proactive. 

That means, whenever Turner or his officers see a car hauling truck on the island, they are stopping them and informing them of the rules. 

Turner recently had an informational pamphlet posted to the town’s website, which will also be given to all car-hauling companies the department sees on the island. 

Residents who live along private roads must check with homeowners associations to verify safe and legal areas for car delivery. For more information, call the town at 941-316-1999.