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Resident proposes battery-powered trolley for downtown Sebring; council asks staff to explore liability and operations
Summary
A downtown business owner asked the commission to consider acquiring a small battery-powered trolley to shuttle visitors, support events and provide themed tours. Council members called the idea "charming" but raised questions about insurance, storage, accessibility and volunteer reliability; staff was asked to gather more information.
LaDonna Pede Rodriguez, a longtime downtown Sebring business owner, proposed the city explore a small, battery-powered trolley to shuttle visitors around the historic downtown during events and peak visitor periods.
Rodriguez said she found a 2024 model seating 14 that a seller was offering at a reduced price; she described two volunteers — Chief Detman and Alan Holmes — who had offered to drive and suggested advertising space on the trolley could offset insurance costs. Rodriguez said she had done initial research and estimated liability insurance might be around $400 per month, though she described that figure as an informal online estimate.
Council members welcomed the idea as a charm-and-tourism amenity but flagged practical questions: whether the vehicle is street-legal, handicap accessibility requirements, storage, maintenance and the reliability of an all‑volunteer operating model. One commissioner cautioned that volunteers can stop participating and suggested the city be cautious before taking ownership; another noted the municipality’s potential liability exposure.
Council asked staff to reach out to insurers and to cities that operate similar services, and suggested staff speak with interested local businesspeople who have expressed willingness to fund or run a trolley. No formal action or funding commitment was made; the commission directed staff to investigate further and report back.
Why it matters: the city expects a surge of visitors for upcoming HDTV-related events, and a downtown trolley could assist visitors, support events and potentially encourage downtown spending. Council members said they want more information on liability, accessibility and operating models before endorsing any purchase or city-run program.
Next steps: staff will contact insurers for quotes, research street-legal and accessibility requirements, and consult other municipalities and potential private partners; the council may consider the matter again after staff reports.
