Warning: The city of Sarasota's Palm Avenue parking garage may hoodwink you out of $50.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, no attendant was present as I entered the garage.

The entrance and exit gates were up, and I parked my car to attend a nearby show.

During past years when the gates were up, parking was free.

But when I returned to my car a citation was affixed to my windshield requiring a $25 fine payment.

On Monday, Nov. 24, I appealed the citation, which was denied – and an additional $25 was promptly added to my total fine.

The reason stated was "expired meter” – but there was NO parking meter at the garage!

In addition, I was informed that citations "cannot be dismissed based on lack of knowledge of the City’s parking regulations. You must pay to park upon arrival either at the meter

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