HOLLYWOOD, Fla. _ It was meant to be a public service.
The city's free parking-garage spaces were supposed to be for Hollywood residents looking to get their vehicles off the streets during Hurricane Irma.
But by Thursday, a car dealer had gotten to the garage first. When residents showed up at the garage, about 40 of the limited spaces had already been claimed _ by cars with window-sticker price tags.
And it turns out the dealer, who remains unknown, may find it difficult to retrieve the vehicles.
Other drivers have since double and triple-parked in the garage and blocked in all the dealership cars.
"There is no easy getaway at this point in time," Hollywood Public Information Manager Joann Hussey said Sunday.
The cars lack dealership or other identification.
A resident sent a video to the city to express his chagrin about so many cars without license plates that were taking up parking spaces meant for the public.
"You can be sure city staff is aware of the situation and is working to prevent it from happening again," Hussey said.
The city is taking several steps against the dealer. The Hollywood parking department ticketed each car and that will cost $30 per citation.
The city may also apply an ordinance against the use of a public way for private business, "and that may lead to a higher fine," Hussey said.
"We're going to take action to identify the dealership, and we'll also modify city rules and regulations," she said.
"Next time, we may staff the garage, not remove the gates (to slow access) or ask drivers for proof of residency."
Hussey said city residents are acting like detectives, offering tips on social media about who may own all the cars.
As with past storms, the garage was opened for residents who did not have garages to shelter their cars, free.
"It is really discouraging and disheartening when folks take advantage of what we had hoped was nice thing to do for our residents," city spokeswoman Raelin Storey said.
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(Linda Trischitta contributed to this report.)
