Special magistrate reduces Fort Pierce parking fine after resident cites flooding

Special Magistrate Jamie Barrow heard a citation dispute over a parking ticket issued July 20, 2026, in the 100 block of Atlantic Avenue and accepted time-stamped photos from both the city and the respondent. The city contended Officer Forbus's timestamps showed the vehicle exceeded the two-hour limit; the city asked for a $60 penalty (including administrative fees). Attorney Hedges cited Florida Statute 316.1964, saying the statute’s exemptions apply mainly to metered/paying spaces and do not create a blanket exemption for nonmetered two-hour limits.

Jill Goldfarb, who identified herself as the vehicle owner, told the magistrate she delayed leaving her office because of sudden thunder, lightning and localized flooding near Atlantic and Melody, and she presented multiple photographs and a handicap placard. Goldfarb said she was in her office for about two hours and then waited for the storm to pass; she said she saw flooding directly in front of her office and did not think it was safe to drive.

Barrow said the testimony and exhibits established that a violation occurred but expressed sympathy for Goldfarb’s weather concerns. "I do find that there was a violation," Barrow said, "and so because of that, I'll reduce the fine down to 0, but you will still be responsible for the administrative fee of $10, to be paid within 15 days." The magistrate also noted the city's evidence showing the ticket issuance time and emphasized that the local code does not include a weather exception.

The order reduces the monetary penalty to zero while leaving the administrative fee in place; failure to pay the fee in 15 days will result in referral to the county court system as described in the city's standard enforcement procedure. The city indicated staff will provide directions to the finance department for payment processing.