St. Pete Beach city officials are weighing a series of parking rate increases that could push the cost to park near the beach as high as $7 per hour during peak times.

The proposal, presented to city commissioners this week by assistant city manager Adam Poirrier, stems from a parking audit conducted by Dixon Resources last year. The audit identified several adjustments the city could make to grow parking revenue.

Under the plan, the base rate would rise by $0.50 per hour — to $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends — which officials estimate could generate an additional $600,000 annually. On top of that, a proposed “Sunset Pricing” surcharge would add $1 per hour between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and a seasonal pricing model would add another $1 per hour during the busy February-through-April window. If all changes were implemented together, the city could see over $1.7 million in additional annual parking revenue.

Other proposals include passing credit card transaction fees to customers, adjusting holiday rates, and adding Fridays to the weekend pricing schedule.

To encourage off-peak visits, officials are also considering reducing rates by $1 per hour before noon.

Vice-Mayor Karen Marriott acknowledged the cost pressures driving the proposal, noting that maintaining beach facilities and public restrooms has grown more expensive, and that a small city like St. Pete Beach depends on visitor-generated revenue to cover those costs. At the same time, she expressed concern that higher rates could push drivers into residential neighborhoods or discourage visitors from coming altogether.

Local business owner Ken Hautmann, who runs Chill Bar & Grill on Corey Avenue — one of the few streets with free parking remaining in the city — worried that higher beach parking costs would push beachgoers into spots meant for his restaurant customers, hurting his business even if the city’s fiscal needs are legitimate.

The proposed changes would not affect St. Pete Beach residents, who can still obtain a free parking pass from the city.

City commissioners are scheduled to take up the proposal again at a March 24 meeting. A public hearing would be held before any vote.

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