ST. PETE BEACH — New Mayor Scott Tate asked city staff to develop a parking fee structure based on how long visitors stay rather than time of day, arguing that sunset pricing would discourage diners and shoppers from patronizing local businesses.
Commissioners passed a revised parking fee resolution on a 4-1 vote, adopting most staff recommendations but stripping out the sunset provision at Tate’s urging. Commissioner Lisa Robinson cast the lone dissenting vote. Staff will return in a few weeks with a duration-based fee schedule.
The action came as Tate and newly elected Commissioner Al Causey, both recently seated, put their stamp on a parking overhaul that the previous commission had set in motion…