Small step for Small business

For almost fifty years South Lauderdale OK Tire has provided the Marina Mile community and surrounding area with excellent and unwavering automotive services. We have done so through strong business relationships, loyalty to our community and the ability to park multiple vehicles in one area at a time. Lately, the last has been a problem.

Parking is essential to the operation of our humble little shop. We have anywhere between twenty five and thirty five vehicles in and out of the location daily, with anywhere between eight and fifteen on the property at any given time. With only four bays, and a >> by>>> slab of concrete out front, it becomes extremely difficult to park so many cars on location. The swale across 8th Ave has been our relief for this issue for many a year. However recently, to soothe the repetitive complaints of one individual, the city of Ft. Lauderdale placed “no parking” signs along this useful and beloved swale.

This has caused many more problems than it has solved. With our lot being right against State Road 84, it’s difficult for motorists to see around the cars parked here onto the street beyond the turn onto 8th Ave. This has so far caused quite a few close calls. It dangerous for customers moving cars in and out of the lot, as they must back out onto this busy street to get off our property. Code enforcement has been called to deal with this problem, and have nothing else to do but shake their heads at our explanation. There are no legal reasons why we shouldn’t be allowed to use this space, aside from this one mans complaints. They don’t see a solution any better than we do.

Aside from the obvious dangers, it is financially draining on our small business. Without a place to park vehicles waiting for repairs or pickup, we have had to turn work away, making it difficult to meet the demands required to keep our doors open and our customers happy. Our employees depend on the constant flow of customers in our shop, and the customers, including the surrounding community, depend on our services to keep them mobile.

We have their full support in the release of the swale, but we need more help to accomplish our goal. With the local newspapers involved, and the help of this forum we should be able to keep our business afloat for many a year to come.