St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrila has proposed implementing tolls at the barrier island’s north, central, and southern access points to help fund infrastructure repairs following Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

Under the proposal, tolls would only apply to tourists, while business owners, employees, and residents would be exempt. The mayor estimates that a $1 toll could generate approximately $11 million annually for the city, based on the roughly 60,000 daily trips to St. Pete Beach recorded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Petrila stated the city requires about $200 million to restore its infrastructure to proper working condition, with revenue intended to repair seawalls, stormwater systems, sewer pipes, and other damaged facilities.

The proposal has drawn criticism from political opponents and raised concerns among city commissioners. Scott Tate, who is challenging Petrila in the March election, warned that tolls would strain local businesses and drive tourists to neighboring beaches like Treasure Island and Terra Verde.

Several commissioners questioned whether tolling state-owned roads is legal and expressed concerns about potential impacts on tourism. Vice Mayor Karen Marriott cautioned against crushing the business community under the guise of not raising resident taxes.

Petrila said he has begun discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation about the possibility of the city taking over Gulf Boulevard, which could enable tolling. The city attorney will prepare a legal summary to present to the commission in early 2026.

The proposal was not on Monday’s city commission agenda, but commissioners agreed to explore the project with a feasibility study. Mayor Petrila did not respond to requests for comment on the proposal.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Dirk Shadd)

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com