Manatee County is looking at the possibility of converting free beach access parking lots on Anna Maria Island into paid lots.
“The CVB is evaluating paid parking for Anna Maria Island,” Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique said. “The main reason is we’re looking at ways to make parking more self-sufficient at the beach. The main cost that beaches create for us is one of providing general maintenance, so ensuring that the parking spots are clear and visible, the signage is visible and, of course, the biggest one is trash and maintenance of facilities.”
Siddique said the county is currently dipping into general funds to pay for parking lot maintenance and that establishing paid parking would make those lots self-sufficient…