ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – City and county leaders came together Monday in hopes of expediting efforts to improve conditions, including parking, in St. Augustine Beach.
Beach parking, beach restoration, pier and Pier Park repairs and plans for the former Mosquito Control Property were among the items on the agenda for Monday morning's meeting between St. Augustine Beach officials and St. Johns County commissioners.
St. Augustine Beach Mayor Rich O'Brien explained the changes that residents and beachgoers could see in the future.
"Off-beach parking and the fees. Maybe putting in a parking system at Pier Park, and the city, at the same time, putting in the same system in our parking lots if that is decided," O'Brien said.
Paid parking could help with congestion, hopefully leading people to options, such as carpooling, biking or walking.
"You can barely find parking on weekends, especially. That's why I like to come on weekdays," said Bob Harmon, who lives in St. Augustine Beach. "It's a very good experience. We come and walk on a regular basis and we love it and (have) no problems."
People who live in or frequently visit St. Augustine Beach told News4Jax they were happy to hear that the parking issue was discussed at the meeting.
"Parking here can be a little difficult certain days and certain times of the week," said Adriana Patterson, who lives in St. Augustine.
O'Brien said the St. Augustine Beach Pier also needs a makeover, and they discussed the option of turning over the property from the county to the city. St. Augustine Beach is an independent city, but the county runs the pier and the parking lot by the pier and also pays for beach renourishment.
Beachgoers said they were happy to hear the two entities plan to meet more frequently.
"It makes me feel good someone's thinking about it, someone's doing something. That's always nice. I'm sure it will get nothing but better," Harmon said.
As for beach renourishment, O'Brien said, the county has to finish current work on Vilano Beach and then will eventually begin work on St. Augustine Beach in October or November. It's expected to be a six-month process.
Also discussed was an old Anastasia Mosquito Control property. The city of St. Augustine Beach was interested in receiving that property and put in a bid. The county ended up receiving the property and will get the title and deed in the next week or two.
The county plans to possibly move Beach Services there and maybe a fire station -- moving the one from Beach Boulevard, where it's in a weather-prone area as officials discovered during Hurricane Matthew.
If Beach Services is relocated, the current office would be torn down, which would allow for Pier Park to be expanded.