Nearly two years after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Gulf Coast, some Madeira Beach property owners are still deciding what to do with vacant lots left behind by the storms — and at least one option now involves turning empty land into paid parking.

Mike Wyckoff, a longtime real estate broker and Madeira Beach resident, owns several properties in the beach community, including a lot along Gulf Boulevard where his office once stood before Hurricane Helene’s storm surge lifted it off its foundation in 2024. After the building was demolished, the property sat empty for about a year.

In January, a parking company approached Wyckoff about leasing the space and splitting revenue from a paid parking operation. Wyckoff said the 18-space lot wouldn’t make anyone rich, but the income has helped offset his costs while the property sits idle.

The arrangement hit a snag after a complaint was filed against the lot. The city sent Wyckoff a letter stating the property was in violation of current zoning codes. Under existing rules, paid parking lots are allowed only when tied to an associated business, such as a nearby restaurant. Standalone paid parking lots are not currently permitted. Property owners who continue operating them anyway could face fines of $250 per day.

Wyckoff and other affected property owners have asked city commissioners to consider allowing temporary standalone paid parking lots on storm-damaged properties. Commissioners have since directed city staff to research the issue.

Bill Logan, Madeira Beach’s community communications officer, said the review process is only getting started and will take time, in part to ensure businesses and residents have a chance to weigh in before any changes are made.

Some local business owners say the city needs more parking regardless of how the zoning issue is resolved. Jonathan Olejnik, owner of Corner Kitchen and Coffee on Gulf Boulevard, said finding parking near his business has long been difficult and has grown more expensive and harder over time. His restaurant has an on-site lot, but it’s shared with a nearby condo building, meaning some customers must look elsewhere to park.

Property and business owners are now waiting to see whether the city creates a legal pathway for temporary paid parking lots on storm-damaged sites. The next public workshop on the issue is scheduled for Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. at Madeira Beach City Hall.

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