NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Some formerly free parking lots along New Smyrna Beach will no longer be free for some beachgoers.
Starting Oct. 1, drivers will be charged to park in the city's four beachfront parking lots, though residents of New Smyrna Beach and Volusia County will have the opportunity to park for free.
The city is going to impose a $10 daily parking fee.
Residents of New Smyrna Beach and Volusia County can get a free parking pass at New Smyrna Beach City Hall.
"I actually prefer to park (in beachfront parking) more than I do on the beach because the beach can get a bit crowded. You can get a parking space here early. You can kind of come and go as you need to be, so yeah, it might very well put me off," Altamonte Springs resident David McDonald said.
"It's a little costly, but we got to do something to keep our beaches maintained and help, at least, the Volusia County residents that live here and pay their taxes," Volusia County resident Bill Johnston said.
City officials say the money would go toward paying the more than $100,000 it costs to maintain the beach front. But they believe that the parking fees could bring in several hundred thousand dollars.
More Information:
Resident parking passes will be available beginning Sept. 15 and will be valid through 2016. Parking pass applications can be submitted in person at the New Smyrna Beach Finance Department, 210 Sams Ave., New Smyrna Beach. The office is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Proof of Volusia County residency is required for a free parking pass.
A list of required documentation and a parking pass application are online at www.ParkNSB.com.
WFTV
