Indian Rocks Beach city commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to implement paid parking at all 182 beach access spots, ending the last free beachfront parking in Pinellas County.

The pilot program will charge $4.50 per hour for parking between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. Residents with valid city decals will continue to park free in both resident-only spaces and paid spots. The ordinance also increases parking violation fines from $75 to $100.

Indian Rocks Beach residents are exempt from the paid parking requirement as long as they display a valid city window decal in their vehicle. These residents can use both designated resident-only spaces and the paid parking spots without charge.

Payment will be managed through digital platforms such as ParkMobile. The program will not begin immediately, as city leaders plan community outreach and education efforts, including a website that explains the payment system and the use of funds.

City officials estimate the program could generate approximately $100,000 annually. Mayor Denise Houseberg said the revenue is needed for ongoing storm recovery efforts.

No start date for the program has been announced.

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