FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Flagler Beach city leaders are considering whether to start charging for parking near the beach, a change one potential parking vendor warns could bring intense public pushback.
The City Commission is holding a workshop Tuesday evening to hear from companies proposing ways to operate a paid parking program.
In its proposal to the city, one company warned that introducing paid parking in a community where parking is currently free could bring a “very high level of drama and citizen pushback,” adding that the intensity of the reaction could surprise city leaders.
Some beachgoers interviewed by News 6 Tuesday said they are already opposed.
“Don’t do it. Don’t let them do it,” Pamela Trent said.
Trent, who is moving to Flagler Beach from Nashville, said she worries parking fees could discourage people from visiting local businesses.
“You want to come down here and spend your money,” Trent said. “I can spend $50 on a local restaurant. But if I have to spend $50 to park my car, I’m not coming down here.”
Trent was using $50 as an example. The city has not approved a final parking rate or paid parking plan.
Carson Holly, 17, said free access to the beach is part of what makes Flagler Beach appealing, especially for younger people looking for places to spend time without having to spend money.
“We have less and less third spaces where we can just go somewhere and we don’t have to pay a fee or pay money or anything and just come hang out,” Holly said.
Supporters of paid parking have argued that charging for spaces could help increase turnover in heavily used parking areas, making it easier for visitors to find available spots.
That leaves commissioners weighing whether paid parking could improve access and parking availability while generating revenue - or undermine the laid-back, small-town beach atmosphere some visitors say draws them to Flagler Beach in the first place.
Tuesday night’s workshop is a discussion of the proposals. City leaders have not yet given final approval to a paid parking program.