Sarasota city leaders are moving forward with a proposal to extend paid parking hours to 7 days a week to fund mounting infrastructure needs without drawing on taxpayer money.
Under the plan, paid parking would operate daily from 8 a.m. to midnight — an expansion from the current schedule. The proposal also includes a $5 increase on most parking fines.
Broxton Harvey, general manager of the Sarasota Parking Division, said the department is facing high upcoming costs, including replacing garage elevators, street meters, signage, and enforcement vehicles. He said the goal is to keep the parking division financially self-sustaining.
City projections estimate the expanded hours could generate up to $2.72 million annually. Officials say they weighed raising hourly rates against extending hours and chose the latter to minimize the burden on individual parkers. If revenue exceeds the amount needed for capital expenses, surplus funds could also be used to support the Bay Runner trolley service.
Reaction from residents has been mixed. Some expressed concern that the change would make downtown less accessible, while others said they understand the city’s need to generate revenue for public improvements.
Sarasota city commissioners are scheduled to hold a final vote on the proposal on May 18. If approved, the new hours could take effect as early as June 1.
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