Okaloosa County Commission explores paid parking for non-county residents at beaches, parks
SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County commissioners on Jan. 20 unanimously approved moving forward with exploring a pay-to-park system at select county beaches, parks and boat launches, directing staff to begin the process of procuring a vendor while postponing decisions on rates, locations and contracts.
The action gives county staff permission to continue researching options and return to the Board of County Commissioners with a proposed system for consideration at a later date. No parking fees were approved as part of the vote.
Parks Director Jeff Peters said the proposal is intended to generate revenue for capital improvements and maintenance of county recreational facilities and could help offset the county’s Municipal Services Taxing Unit rate for parks.
“This is more of a discussion period today,” Peters told commissioners. “Really, today, we’re looking for direction from the board on moving forward with a pay-to-park system, and we would bring a procurement with a vendor back at a later date with some of those options for you.”
County officials said the concept has been discussed previously but is gaining renewed attention as potential changes at the state level could impact future funding. Staff said paid parking could serve as a replacement revenue source if those changes occur.
According to county staff, paid parking is already common across Okaloosa County and neighboring jurisdictions.
Military beach parks on Okaloosa Island charge $10 per day, while state and national parks charge entry fees. Private parking lots in Destin often charge flat rates, and the City of Destin and City of Pensacola both operate paid public parking systems.
Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin emphasized that the board would retain control over the final details.
“At this point, you’re just asking for direction whether to move forward,” Goodwin said. “You’ll come back before we officially say we want to go under contract with somebody and give us the different options of what’s available.”
Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey said the board is not yet debating policy specifics but signaling interest in continuing the process.
“We’re not at this point talking about the different things that we would like to see,” Coffey said. “We’re just saying, ‘Hey, just move forward.’”
Preliminary guidelines outlined in the staff report include free parking for Okaloosa County residents, reduced or no fees during winter months from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, built-in enforcement by the vendor, minimal upfront costs and flexibility for the county to adjust rates and locations.
Staff also recommended starting with a pilot program before expanding countywide. Potential trial locations include Beach Access Lots 1–7 on Okaloosa Island, Beasley Park in Fort Walton Beach, Marler Park and Boat Launch, and the Cinco Bayou boat launch.
If the county proceeds, staff would issue a procurement for a parking vendor and return to the board with a detailed proposal for approval.
The post Okaloosa County Commission explores paid parking for non-county residents at beaches, parks appeared first on Mid Bay News.
Be the first to comment on "Okaloosa County Commission explores paid parking for non-county residents at beaches, parks"