The discussion of paid parking at the beach in Holmes Beach continues — this time with Manatee County officials chiming in.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins presented the concept during the city’s Sept. 3 joint meeting with the county board of county commissioners.
“It’s time we ought to pursue the discussion,” he said.
County Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, which includes the island, said charging for beach parking would be a “sensible” move for the island cities as Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to push for eliminating property taxes for homesteaded properties.
He said paid beach parking would allow the city to raise revenue by charging tourists to park, rather than taxing residents, and gave the proposal his blessing.
“I think it’s fine. It’s your city, you should do what you feel is comfortable,” Siddique said. “Charging for parking makes sense, but it’s up to your city to determine that.”
However, he added that the county is less reliant on property taxes for revenue and may not have the appetite for paid parking at the county’s beaches.
County Commission Chair George Kruse, R-District 7, said he was concerned with how Diggins framed the proposal as a way to generate revenue.
“You don’t charge for parking for revenue per se, that’s what upsets people,” said Kruse, who serves at-large. “That’s not the narrative. You don’t tell people that’s what you’re doing.”
Kruse argued the matter should instead be presented as a way to set supply and demand for a limited amount of parking, since setting a price on the supply would impact demand.
He added that messaging around the money collected from paid parking should focus on using the proceeds to enhance the island experience, rather than generating a “pile” of revenue.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that paid beach parking was inevitable and encouraged the city to pursue the idea.
“At some point, it’s going to be paid parking, just like at some point it’s going to be paid boat launches,” Kruse said. “Because the state is systematically working towards getting off a property tax system and moving it towards a consumption tax system.”
“I think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done on it, but I think it’s a trend that we’re going to have to go on because it’s inevitable and you might as well start getting the plans in place now,” he added.
Siddique said the county would work with the city on the matter, but stressed that time was not on their side. He urged the city to move forward with the item before county leadership changes.
“You have a board that’s willing to work with you and be collaborative and not just say ‘Holmes
Beach is trying to steal parking spots,’” he said. “If there is a good idea, let’s work to get to ground on it and see what comes of it sooner than later, and not wait.”
Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer said the city would workshop the matter and potentially collaborate with the other island municipalities to reach a conclusion.
The city commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.