COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Visitors and locals planning a day on the water at Cocoa Beach will soon face higher parking fees after the city commission approved a rate increase.
“It shouldn’t be even a price for parking, to be honest with you, because there’s plenty of space,” Alex Lamillh told News 6.
While some tourists expressed frustration over parking costs, others said the fees are expected wherever they go.
“I feel $5 or $6 an hour is not too much just for me,” Matt Dumont said.
For residents who live and play in the area, an increase could strain their wallets.
“I believe that they’re already expensive as it is,” said Benjamin Cairns, a Merritt Island resident. “If they can’t expand parking and create better options, I believe they should maybe lower prices to preferably Brevard County residents versus just people who live in Cocoa Beach. I live a mile over the bridge so I’m not considered a Cocoa Beach resident. So, I usually have to pay about $125 to $150 a year just to park and work here and I work here six days a week.”
Others worry higher fees will make it harder for visitors to enjoy Cocoa Beach.
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“I feel like every time I’m trying to have people in town, it’s hard to accommodate for them and there feels like there could be better solutions,” Cocoa Beach resident Jillian Hayden told News 6.
The city commission considered several changes, including:
- Increasing hourly parking from $5 to $6
- Raising daily parking at non-park locations from $15 to $20
- Increasing all-day parking at parks and garages from $20 to $25
“I think there are ways to make it more affordable,” Hayden said. “I definitely think more reasonable rates for people, even visitor passes, things like that — things that are more accessible so that all our residents and visitors can enjoy.”
The Cocoa Beach City Commission ultimately approved the changes during its Thursday night meeting by a vote of 4-1.