Neptune Beach votes to cut paid parking cost in half, cites drop in parking usage since program went into effect

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – Neptune Beach officials have voted to lower the evening cost of the city’s highly contested paid parking program.

The fee will now drop from $5 to $2.50.

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At a meeting Monday night, officials said parking usage is down 7%, while merchant revenue is also down.

While it’s unclear how much of that shift is due to the paid parking program, officials say they don’t want it to be a contributing factor.

However, local business owners who spoke at the meeting say there is a link between the parking situation and the loss of customers.

Additionally, Vice Mayor Nia Livingston made a motion to cap daily parking rates at $32.50.