Tarpon Springs city officials are considering charging non-residents $5 to park at Sunset Beach and its adjoining Splash Park, a move that would bring the popular destination in line with the city’s other beach, Howard Park Beach, which already charges for parking.
According to cell phone data obtained by the city, approximately 291,000 non-residents visited Sunset Beach last year, compared to about 68,000 residents. City officials say any revenue generated by the proposed fee would be directed toward parks and recreation projects.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Some local business owners see potential benefits in the added revenue but also note a possible downside. Eddie Mullally, who has owned Neptune Cyclery in downtown Tarpon Springs for 30 years, suggested the city could lose some visitors but that the numbers likely wouldn’t drop significantly — and that fee revenue could fund other city improvements. He also noted that the large number of outside visitors likely benefit local businesses by spending money on gas and food while in the area.
The Tarpon Springs City Commission is expected to continue the discussion at its second meeting in April. No vote on paid parking has been taken yet.
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