Description
This is a residential zoned property and Belleair PD is using it as parking to either do paperwork or conduct speed enforcement. This breaks Article 2 Division 2 section 58-57 (a,b,c,d) of the Belleair code of ordinances, Code 1980, § 13-24(a); Ord. No. 411, § 1, 3-18-03). Neither are they there under the capacity of any emergency under Article 2 Division 2 Sec. 58-59 (b,1) (Ord. No. 411, § 2, 3-18-03; Ord. No. 414, § 1, 7-15-03). Therefore any moving violations given from an officer that was sitting at this location given they were there under non-emergency conditions shall be considered null and void based on the Code of ordinances of the Town of Belleair. There are also jurisdictional codes when it comes to the middle of Melanbacher Rd. North & South when the City of Largo is concerned. Please take this into consideration and notify your Police officers this residential lot is not city property nor did the owners consent to any police activity on their property as of 11/09/2018. Thank you
also asked...
A. Parking
4 Comments
Ricky Allison - Director of Public Works, Parks & Recreation (Registered User)
An anonymous SeeClickFix user (Registered User)
Closed Rick Doyle - Belleair Police Chief (Verified Official)
Thank you for your opinion as to the legality of police officers protecting the public from the vacant lot located at 646 Mehlenbacher Road. Contrary to your belief and interpretation of code section 58-57, law enforcement is exempt in this situation. Regarding your concern about jurisdiction, Florida State statute allows an agency to enforce any traffic laws in another jurisdiction if the violation can be observed from ones own jurisdiction or if the violation is a threat to public safety. Additionally, the Belleair Police Department has a mutual aid agreement with the City of Largo (and all other surrounding agencies) and we always help each other out.
With respect to your comment about owner permission to use the vacant lot, the Belleair Police Department does have permission from the lot owner. In fact, the lot owner has requested we use his lot to help curb the speed issues on Mehlenbacher Road, deter crime in the area AND strictly enforce any and all code violations in the area. We will continue to conduct patrols in that area and continue to work diligently to improve the aesthetic beauty and safety in and around the Town of Belleair. I would be more than happy to personally discuss with you any further concerns you may have with this matter. I can be reached at (727) 588-3769, extension 201. Thank you!
Rick Doyle
Chief of Police
Town of Belleair
Jane (Registered User)