ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s still happening, despite a News 6 investigation during the busy Thanksgiving travel holiday period: drivers are parking illegally on the shoulders of Jeff Fuqua Blvd, the main road on Orlando International Airport (MCO) property leading up to the passenger terminals.
Last November, News 6 showed how dozens of drivers were ignoring the airport’s no-parking signs and stopped on the side of the road.
More than four months later, nothing has changed, even through the record-breaking busy Spring Break travel period.
And it’s worrying the former police chief who used to be in charge of protecting the airport.
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Orlando Rolon retired from the Orlando Police Department in 2022. He said he dealt with the illegal parking throughout his tenure.
“We did the best that we could with the resources that we had at the time to send officers out there to post proper signage,” Rolon said. “I think that is something that the greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the Orlando Police Department must address and must answer. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes aggressive action whether it’s aggressive enforcement.”
Rolon said even the shoulders of Jeff Fuqua Boulevard are secure areas of airport property.
“Even the outskirts of the main terminal are considered areas that could be affected if someone was thinking about bringing harm,” Rolon said. “Any citizen who drives by that area should be concerned about someone using an emergency lane that is reserved for individuals in need. Anytime you have someone violating the law and within a facility as important as the airport, there should be some concern also as to who it is that is parking there.”
Just a few weeks ago, a suspicious bag closed Terminal B for three hours while police investigated right at the start of the busy Spring Break travel period.
News 6 asked both the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and the OPD why this keeps happening. And is it not a concern?
Both organizations blamed drivers that “disregard” no-parking signs.
“The Orlando Police Department and GOAA continue to work together to help manage the illegal parking; however, there are still times when drivers choose to disregard posted signage and park,” OPD Media Relations wrote in an email to News 6. “We take the safety and security of Orlando’s travelers seriously and do not condone illegal parking.”
GOAA spokesperson Rod Johnson said officers cannot provide around-the-clock enforcement.
“The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority continues to work with the Orlando Police Department to discourage drivers from parking alongside airport roadways,” Johnson said. “However, we do understand that OPD cannot be stationed there at all times and that drivers will take it upon themselves to disregard signage and suggested alternatives.”
For comparison, News 6 checked with the Tampa International Airport. TPA Senior Manager of Communications Joshua Gillin said Tampa International Airport Police patrol “the entire campus regularly, including a Traffic division that enforces traffic rules.”
“Tampa International Airport does not allow shoulder parking on the George J. Bean Parkway or parking in any other location other than a garage or the Cell Phone Lot,” Gillin said. “Arrivals lanes are for immediate passenger loading only. If the passenger they are picking up has not arrived, they will be instructed to park in a garage or wait in the Cell Phone Lot until the passenger is ready to depart.”
Former Chief Rolon offered low-cost solutions if a lack of manpower is the issue: install additional no-parking signs (there are only two in the area where most drivers park illegally and none where most vehicles stop) and add motion-sensing technology that activates loudspeakers with a warning message and/or lights, all operating 24 hours a day.
Anyone waiting at the airport always has free alternatives to illegal parking: Cell Phone Waiting Lots. There are two cell phone waiting lots on airport property, one on the North end and one on the South end. Both are open 24 hours, well-lit and offer free wi-fi.
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