Due to the continuation of extreme drought conditions in Sarasota County and throughout the state of Florida, the Venice Police Department will begin issuing violation citations instead of warnings starting May 11, the city announced.
The violation citations will be $75 for the first offense, and $175 for each subsequent offense.
Watering restrictions have also changed in Venice, a city located in south Sarasota County.
Citizens within the city limits are now allowed to water their lawns with sprinklers from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. once per week, or between 8:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. once per week.
The previous hours were before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., once a week.
Even number houses are allowed to water by sprinkler on Tuesdays, while Thursdays are for odd number houses.
Those hand-watering may do so any day before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Vehicles may be washed at any time of day using an automatic shutoff nozzle.
Houses with even numbers are on Tuesdays, while odd number houses may wash vehicles on Thursdays.
Boats can be washed after each use, and at any time, the city said.
During the first 30 days, new lawns can be watered any day during restricted hours, and three days per week during restricted hours during days 31 to 60.
The city says the restrictions apply to all landscape irrigation from all water sources, including wells.
Violations can be reported to the Venice Police Department at 941-486-2444.
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County city to issue water restriction citations
Reporting by Chris Anderson, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
