Cape Coral enforces truck parking rules, drawing concerns from drivers and residents

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A debate is growing in Cape Coral over where commercial truck drivers can park, as city officials enforce an ordinance that restricts big rigs from using residential side streets.

For Jovonnie Eltagonde, the issue is personal. Her husband, a truck driver, received a citation from Cape Coral police on Christmas Eve after parking his semi-truck along Ceitus Terrace behind businesses near Pine Island Road.

“I understand this is a residential area, but it’s just — where are our trucks supposed to park?” Eltagonde said.

When she returned to the truck, Eltagonde said she found an orange sticker warning the vehicle could be towed. Although it was not removed, she said their truck had been towed in the past after being left at a truck stop, costing the family $800.

“You don’t get paid for being out as truckers — most of them don’t,” she said. “So you’re with no pay for two weeks.”

During a recent visit to Ceitus Terrace, Gulf Coast News observed at least six semi-trucks parked along the roadway without drivers inside. None had citations at the time, but commercial vehicles can be cited if they exceed the allowed parking time.

Resident Jim White said trucks are frequently parked in the area, and he does not see them as a problem.

“They’re here all the time,” White said. “Maybe not the same trucks, but there’s always trucks here.”

White said he opposes the city ordinance, which bans commercial vehicles and trailers from parking more than two hours in public rights-of-way, including residential streets.

City officials say the rules are necessary to improve safety and quality of life. City Council recently approved Ordinance 44-25, consolidating parking regulations and establishing a citywide prohibition on parking commercial vehicles and trailers in public rights-of-way.

The Cape Coral Police Department enforces the rules under City Ordinance 12-127, which limits where commercial vehicles can park and allows additional restrictions through posted signage. In some areas, commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking overnight between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Police say violations can result in fines starting at $100, with each day counted as a separate offense, and vehicles may be towed in some cases. Enforcement is largely complaint-driven.

Eltagonde said she understands the rules but believes a larger issue remains.

“We need somewhere to go,” she said. “We’re the heartbeat of America.”

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