FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Despite months-long opposition, hourly paid parking will be coming to downtown Fernandina Beach soon.
The Fernandina Beach City Commission passed the ordinances at a meeting Tuesday night that would create the paid parking program and set the rate.
The commission ended up with a 4-1 vote. Vice-Mayor Darron Ayscue was the lone “no” vote.
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“I don’t believe this commission is doing the will of the citizens. I don’t believe that at all,” Ayscue said.
Under the ordinance, hourly parking rates would range from $2 to $4 per hour. Residents would be eligible for up to two free annual digital permits per household, with additional permits costing $24 per year.
The permits would authorize someone to park in a paid space for up to four hours. Anything beyond would be their responsibility.
Non-residents could also purchase an annual permit for $124 per vehicle, or a monthly permit for $60.
Rates could also vary on weekends, holidays and during special events as well.
Back in August, commissioners approved a contract with One Parking to manage the city’s downtown parking system, though the agreement won’t take effect until after a public vote. If voters reject the paid parking measure, the contract will be void.
The plan would allow One Parking to operate the parking system using the city’s logo, a detail that has drawn criticism from some residents who oppose giving control of downtown assets to a third-party company.
In October, city commissioners rejected an ordinance that aimed to ban the parking fees, even though it was brought to them through a petition signed by more than 1,700 locals.
Residents, especially business owners, have openly expressed disapproval and frustration with the city over the idea of bringing “premier” parking spots to downtown Fernandina Beach.
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City leaders argued paid parking could bring in about $2 million a year — money they said would help fund major projects.
Though the vote happened, Ayscue said he would not stop there.
“I’m here to do the will of the citizens,” Ayscue said. “I’m going to continue to vote no on paid parking until it’s gone from Fernandina Beach.”
Those against paid parking will still have a chance to vote in this August election, when voters will decide whether to repeal it — an issue raised during public comment.
Many residents said they did not understand why the city would implement the policy now, given that citizens will vote on the matter later this year.
The ordinances take effect immediately; however, the city did not specify a date when the program would be implemented.