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Today's Letters: Feed yourself or feed the meter?
Letters to the Editor
Published February 15, 2008
My name is Christina Volini. I am a South Tampa resident, a graduate of Christ the King, Plant High School and the University of South Florida. I am the owner of a real estate company and a new restaurant. I am married with four children and am an active member of the Junior League of Tampa. I am a very busy mom. Last night, I was working at the restaurant, which happens to be Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge in Ybor City. A good friend came in to visit with me. She had an enjoyable evening, sitting at the sushi bar, eating her dinner, but she had to get up a couple of times to go feed the meter. She was very diligent in keeping track of the time. Finally, at the end of the night, my friend headed out the back door because she knew her time was up. I walked her out, and just as we stepped out the back door, the meter man was standing by her car, checking the meter. He gave her a ticket. My friend was so upset. She was right there, on her way to the car, and he still gave her the ticket. I felt so bad. I do realize that the parking lot does not belong to me, and those meters are not mine, but I still feel responsible. My friends come to support me and my new, growing business, and even though they pay the meter, they still get a ticket. It's just not right. My friend even said to me, "That's why I never come here!" The metered parking and threat of a ticket is always the reason people give me for not going to my restaurant more often. It really stinks that when people are relaxing, enjoying dinner, or are engulfed in a great conversation, they are expected to jump up and go feed the dang meter! It's ridiculous! Usually, people lose track of time and get stuck with a ticket. They don't come back. Ybor City is a lovely place, rich with history, and it offers many terrific restaurants and shops, etc. It is so unfortunate that it is so much of a hassle to enjoy it. There must be some kind of solution to this parking problem. I know the city relies on the money generated from all of those meters and tickets, but it is just not fair to the merchants who are trying to make a decent living, not to mention contributing to the growth and prosperity of Ybor City. So, does anyone have any suggestions? Christina Volini, South Tampa
[Last modified February 14, 2008, 22:37:09]
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by wazzamattaU
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02/18/08 08:56 AM
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I would like to trade my problems with yours. She could have parked in a garage and not have had these unpleasant interruptions during her sushi! But that would require some thought.
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by Vinny
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02/17/08 03:00 PM
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Police don't write parking tickets. The parking dept writes them and is funded completely on parking revenue from garages, meters and tickets. There is no fair consistency in how parking is handled citywide.
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by Rick
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02/16/08 09:44 AM
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I was in this same situation Thursday night - feeding the meter, only to find a ticket when I got there five minutes late. This is why I, and so many of my friends rarely venture into Ybor and can't support the businesses struggling to survive.
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by Rickster
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02/16/08 02:20 AM
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A very well stated case.
Police often use parking tickets as 'revenue' and they need to generate a certain amount each year. I think you should direct your questions to the Mayor's office. I am sure Mayor Iorio would like to hear your concerns.
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by Larry
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02/15/08 03:56 PM
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I agree! The large parking garage is a great benefit for Centro Ybor but the business farther down 7th. I always put more than I think I need and instead of staying I leave when my time is up. It really hurts the businesses. It's a hassle.
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by Pam
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02/15/08 02:53 PM
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Christina, you are right absolutely right about the parking meter problem. I won't go to Ybor City at all!! I can't carry that much change at one time. After 5:00pm, parking should be free!! If the city needs more money, build more garages.
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by Barbara
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02/15/08 12:23 PM
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Here's my suggestion: Put more money in the meter so you don't have to interrupt your dinner!
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by Mike
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02/15/08 08:58 AM
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If the meters weren't there, do you think that you would even be able to find a parking spot?
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