Sarasota police take over city parking operations

Big changes behind the scenes for parking in Sarasota, while drivers won't notice a difference on the streets just yet. The city's parking division is now officially under the control of the police department. Fox 13's Kimberly Cuison explains the concerns that prompted the change and why it's significant. The Sarasota Police Department is now overseeing the city's parking operations, and that changeover took place earlier this week. This was done after complaints had come up from not only residents and visitors, but also parking employees. There was concerns for their safety with one parking employee saying she had been assaulted while on the job. There was also concerns from residents who said they felt targeted by some of the employees. The city says this transition will help strengthen coordination between parking personnel and officers working throughout the city. Sarasota police took on 28 new employees and this is nothing new. The parking division had been under the agency four times in the past. Now they'll be rebranded as parking ambassadors for the city. We really want them to be a professional extension of public service just like SPD is not that they weren't before but this is now with You know, more emphasis on helping people find signage, helping them with the payment apps, helping them find their way around downtown. This will also allow the parking ambassadors to have additional resources, including field support and training. The public will eventually see a gradual change in uniforms and equipment. Parking contact information will remain the same and that will allow for residents and visitors to still use the same phone number and email for any questions, payments or other services that are needed. From Sarasota, Kimberly Cuison Fox 13 news.