PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – Port commissioners decided on Wednesday to raise the parking fees for non-Brevard County residents at Port Canaveral's Jetty Park in an effort to help pay for the needed parking booth attendants, lifeguards and security personnel.
Local 6 news partner Florida Today reports attendance at the beach-and-camping venue has been growing, sometimes putting its need for parking beyond its designed capacity, as well as filling the beach with trash left by some visitors who don't pick up after themselves.
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Under the plan commissioners unanimously approved, the cost of parking for people from outside Brevard County will rise to $15 a vehicle — up from the current $10 — effective July 1. Commissioners also eliminated the out-of-county $50 annual parking pass, although people with those passes will be able to continue to use them until the passes expire.
Rates for Brevard County residents will remain at $5 for a day pass and $10 for an annual pass, which will remain available.
In a presentation to port commissioners, Brian Blanchard, the port's director of operations, said the expected increased revenue from the higher parking fees for out-of-towners also could help pay for upgrades to Jetty Park facilities.
Tim Macy, the port's deputy executive director for infrastructure, real estate development and recreation, said, even at $15 a day, a day parking pass for out-of-towners remains a good value, considering the fee is per vehicle, not per person.
Blanchard said, on busy days, the port has had to use a nearby overflow parking area to supplement Jetty Park's 450-space parking area. But it has not had to turn people away entirely.