SURFSIDE, Fla. – In the last month, people driving in Surfside have started seeing a new automated gate and signs that say you need a sticker to get through.
It is located at Abbott Avenue and 88th Street.
Why?
Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett told Local 10 News this was a response to drivers cutting thorough the neighborhood to avoid a busy Collins Avenue.
“In doing so they were basically zip zipping through the neighborhood and almost killing kids,” said Burkett.
One woman told Local 10 News she loves it -- that it used to be hard for her to park with all the traffic, but now it’s not.
But Local 10 News has received several emails from viewers who are upset because to get one of the stickers, you have to be a resident of Surfside and pay $10.
In addition, Local 10 News’ cameras saw some drivers reversing or almost deciding to drive the wrong way.
One resident said people who can’t get through are using her driveway to turn around.
“Everybody comes up here and they turn into here. You see my pavers are getting wrecked,” she said.
Burkett was asked by Local 10 News reporter Janine Stanwood if it is fair for residents who already live and pay taxes in Surfside to pay $10 just to use their own streets.
“Well look, if the $10 is a big problem, I think our commission would be happy to revisit that,” he said.