Residents urge limits on test drives after proposed dealership plans include imported 'mini trucks'

Several speakers told the commission they fear routine dealership test drives will use subdivision streets that lack sidewalks, endangering pedestrians, children and residents who walk in the roadway. Jeffrey Lee and Jim Harvey cited Florida statutes and urged the county to limit test‑drive routes or prohibit operation of low‑speed vehicles and mini trucks in neighborhood streets.

"Our primary concern is safety," Jeffrey Lee said, asking the board to consider whether mini‑truck rules could be enforced locally and whether the county should set an objective that test drives not be conducted in the neighborhood. Commissioners and staff discussed Florida Statute 316.222 and noted enforcement of Chapter 316 is primarily by law enforcement and the state attorney; staff said the board could still determine that the operation of LSVs or mini trucks creates a local public safety issue and restrict them in the county's jurisdiction.

Next steps: Commissioners said more fact‑finding is needed — including verifying whether test drives are occurring — and suggested residents meet with their district commissioner and staff to explore options. The board did not adopt an ordinance or formal restriction at the meeting.