The cost of parking is set to increase at Pinellas County’s beach parks.
Why it matters: The $6 day rate at Fort De Soto, Fred Howard and Sand Key parks was the last bastion of affordable beach parking as coastal cities up rates to fund drainage and sewer system upgrades.
State of play: Starting Dec. 1, the county will start charging $3.50 an hour with a $12 cap at the three beach parks. Boat ramp day rates are set to double to $12.
- Beginning Thursday, annual beach parking passes will increase from $75 to $95, while six-month passes will cost $60, up from $45. Annual boat ramp passes will increase from $110 to $140.
- Find the full list of rate changes, including low-income and military rates, here.
Follow the money: The increased fees are expected to bring in an additional $3.1 million per year that will go toward parks maintenance and improvements, per the county…