SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Manatee County leaders are studying the possibility of implementing paid parking on Anna Maria Island as officials search for ways to address traffic congestion and parking demand.
Parking has traditionally been free on the barrier island beaches. One couple traveling from Fort Myers said they were pleasantly surprised at their island parking experience.
“So we’ve been to a handful beaches here in Florida and I expected to pay for parking. You know 6 to 7 dollars an hour pretty normal and pleasantly surprised,” said Mark Stephens, a visitor…