For the first time in nearly 15 years, the Pinellas County Commission has approved a parking rate increase that takes effect on January 1, 2025. The new rate applies to all county parking spaces, beach access points, boat ramps, shelters, and campgrounds.

The daily flat rate has increased to $6, a change from the previous rates of $2 to $5, depending on the location.

County parking and transportation officials stated that this increase aligns Pinellas County with neighboring cities and counties, standardizing the fee across approximately 2,000 parking spaces.

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The rate hike was initially set to take effect on October 1, 2024, but commissioners delayed the implementation until the new year due to extensive storm damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which had left several county parks closed.

Residents and visitors at Sand Key Park, which reopened on December 21 after being closed for months, have mixed feelings about the increased parking fees.

Ashley Walters, visiting from Ocala in Marion County, expressed her opposition: “Families come out and try to do something affordable, but with all the fees and gas costs, it’s disheartening. Many families go to the beach because they can’t afford amusement parks like Busch Gardens.”

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Hillsborough County resident Julio Herrera, spending time at Sand Key Park with nearly 10 family members, also disagreed with the rate hike. “It shouldn’t go up. I moved to Florida for the sunshine. If you want to keep a sunshine smile on my face, don’t add that extra dollar,” he said.

In contrast, Pinellas County resident Scott Sinclair, who enjoys fishing at Sand Key Park, finds the new fee reasonable. “Paying $6 for parking may seem like a lot to some, but it’s a bargain to me. The park has been closed for months since the hurricane, so a few extra bucks don’t bother me. It’s not an exorbitant fee,” he said.

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There is good news for frequent users: rates for six-month and annual passes will remain the same. Additionally, there are special discounts for seniors and service members.

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(Image credit: City of Clearwater)