Wildwood officials vote to ease parking ban inspired by Putt & Play issue

Wildwood commissioners voted Monday to ease a four-year-old citywide ban on on-street parking so that it now applies only to certain areas.

The ordinance remains in effect for the village of Southern Oaks, with the exception of the Middleton neighborhood. It also applies to the Oxford Oaks and Lakeside Landing subdivisions.

In these areas, stopping, parking or standing of a vehicle on city streets is prohibited except for temporary purposes such as loading and unloading. On-street parking will now be permitted in other areas of Wildwood.

“In a way, it clarifies our parking regulations,” City Manager Jason McHugh said. “We wanted to make sure our parking regulations were consistent with Sumter County regulations.”

Commissioner Joe Elliott asked if McHugh planned to set up an educational program to inform residents of the ordinance change. McHugh said the city would notify the public, but the revised ordinance would not change the ban for most villagers.

The ban was enacted in response to complaints from villagers that people using the nearby Fenney Putt & Play golf course were parking on their streets. Since only golf carts were available, people driving other vehicles to the golf course were directed to park at a recreation center a few blocks away.

Despite the order, residents near Putt & Play continued to report parking problems and some made their own “no parking” signs.

A year ago, Citrus Grove resident Ken Reyes complained to commissioners that visitors to his home were surprised to find parking tickets when they returned to their cars around 10 p.m.

Reyes said he was told visitors should not park at a nearby recreation center unless they were using the center.

Wildwood Police Chief Randy Parmer said officers have not issued tickets in response to the ban, but have responded to complaints.