JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An Action News Jax investigation exposes city employees parking in public spaces without paying and they're getting away with it.
Finding a parking spot in downtown Jacksonville is tough, whether it's on a Friday night or in the middle of the day. Our cameras were rolling Friday as a JEA truck pulled into a city parking spot. The driver got out, but the meter was expired.
On Thursday, 13 JEA vehicles were taking up spots, all with expired meters. Just feet away from those meters is a dedicated parking lot for JEA and it wasn't even full.
Taxpayers say it's money the city is losing out on.
"If we were to park in front of a meter, we'd get a ticket like that," said Markia Davis.
The driver of one JEA vehicle wouldn't answer any of our questions. He left after 15 minutes. But our cameras watched other trucks for more than two hours. One we also caught parked there Thursday for two hours.
Meters brought in more than $700,000 last fiscal year. We asked JEA why they were taking up spots that make the city money.
A spokesperson told us, "JEA field employees use those spaces when they have meetings or need to be at the downtown offices. They are meant to be for short-term use."
A city spokesperson told us they don't cite city vehicles parked at meters, but do encourage employees to find other places to park.
The policy is not sitting well with many taxpayers.
"If you're gonna park in front of the meter, put the money in and pay for it," said Davis.
The city did put out a letter as a warning last month to employees about parking in metered spaces, but it doesn't actually tell them to stop doing it.