New Parking Fees, Policies To Take Effect In Sarasota: City Officials

SARASOTA, FL — New public parking policies, including updated fees for certain Sarasota parking areas, will take effect July 15.

The policies, developed after “extensive public engagement,” are being implemented “to increase turnover and efficiency of … public parking spaces,” the city said in a news release.

• Electric vehicle charging: A $1 per hour fee will begin for the use of electric vehicle charging stations in public parking spaces citywide.
• Garage parking: The complimentary parking period at the State Street, Palm Avenue, and 2nd Street garages will be reduced from 2 hours to 1 hour. The cost of parking for the second hour will be $2 and the cost for each hour after the second will be $1. The daily maximum will remain $23.
• Credit card only: Metered parking spaces citywide will accept credit cards only. Payment also will be accepted via the ParkMobile app.
• Benjamin Franklin Drive: Paid parking will be implemented for 80 premium spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key. The rate will be $1 per hour.
• Free: The 368 public parking spaces at the Lido Beach Pavilion surface lot will remain free.
• Centennial Park: Paid parking will begin at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp. Fees will be $5 for a single vehicle all day and $10 for a vehicle with a trailer all day.

During the initial week of implementation, citations will not be issued. Instead, written warnings will be provided to inform drivers about the changes. Parking ambassadors also will be on site to educate and offer assistance.

“We’re a growing city and our parking program needs to reflect best practices around the country that encourage parking space turnover without deterring visitors who want to experience all that Sarasota has to offer,” Broxton Harvey, parking manager, said. “The new policies are going into effect following considerable community outreach, discussion, listening to stakeholders and approval by the city commission. These changes strike a needed balance for our community.”

The parking division began discussing recommended changes with the public in August. Over eight months, staff hosted a special parking information community meeting, presented to stakeholders and shared details about the proposed changes during three city commission meetings before the policies were adopted.