Back in 1903, there were things you just couldn’t do in Sarasota, lest you end up spending some time in the pokey. Pokey pictured here:

(And remember. No A/C. No mosquito abatement program. And, I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing no cheerful jailer’s wife to bring you homemade meals either.)

Here’s the article, from our history peer Larry Kelleher, creator of Sarasotahistoryalive.com. We reproduce it here for your delight.

Government ordinances are usually not spirited bedtime reading, but the 1903 ordinances for the newly incorporated Town of Sarasota can offer

some insight into the life and times of its residences.

In 1903, there was of yet no Fire Department and fire was a major threat to the community. Anyone convicted of entering with an open or uncovered light, a stable barn or building that stored combustible material could be fined up to $50 or “imprisoned in the common jail or calaboose” up to twenty days. The same consequences faced any merchant who in any manner exposed for sale any “powder, kerosene oil, turpentine or any other combustible or explosive liquid, after early candle light.”

The Town Marshall and police officers had the duty to regularly examine the condition of stove-pipes, flues, chimneys, and all lamps (kerosene, candle, gas or other). If such materials were considered to be a fire hazard, the owner was given twelve hours to correct the problem or face a fine of no more than $50 or imprisonment up to thirty days.

The absence of a sewer system and the presence of farm animals in the town back then, necessitated laws that seem unusual today. The Town Marshall was instructed to examine all privies to enforce the requirement that they all be equipped with large zinc buckets or water-tight wooden boxes which must be emptied at least once a week. The contents were to be “removed and buried in a manner and place that will not be injurious to health or offensive to neighbors.” Failure to comply could land the offender in jail for thirty days with up to a $50 fine.

It was unlawful to bury a horse, mule, ox, cow or other animal of such size within the town limits without permission from the Mayor.

Some early concerns have survived over the century, with some changes. Disturbing the peace included profane and obscene language as well as loud noise and fighting. Such behavior could bring a fine of up to $100 and up to thirty days in the calaboose, or both. Resisting arrest obstructing justice could result in thirty days at hard labor. Anyone without visible means of support could be convicted as a vagrant and jailed for up to thirty days at hard labor. “Any woman whose reputation for chastity and virtue is bad, who shall be found on the streets plying her vocation” faced a fine up to $50 or thirty days in jail. General reputation was sufficient to identify a bawdy house, whose owner or agent was subject to (lesser) fines and imprisonment.

Before speeding automobiles arrived in Sarasota, the standard speed limit for a vehicle crossing a bridge was a walking pace. Trains could travel through town no faster than six miles per hour. (The first successful railroad began operation in 1903, with the tracks entering Sarasota along North Lemon Avenue and ending on a dock approximately where Ringling Boulevard today intersects U.S. 41)

The Mayor had considerable authority in the early town. Within the limits imposed by state statutes, he could veto an ordinance passed by the Town Council. Responsible for enforcing all town ordinances, the Mayor held court daily for the trials of those charged with violations. In addition to any compensation the Town Council might establish by resolution, the Mayor received one dollar for every conviction in his court.

Those convicted of violating the Town Ordinances chanced serving time it the jail pictured above which was located at Lemon Avenue and Second Street.

Article written by Ann A. Shank, former Sarasota County historian
Photo Credit: Sarasota County History Center
Credit: Sarasota County History Center: