FREE PARKING PERMIT
PILOT PROGRAM CONCLUDES

Sarasota, FL: The free employee parking permit pilot program for downtown employees will conclude at the end of this month. Beginning October 1st, parking in a downtown lot will require a new permit which can be purchased for $30.

The employee parking permit pilot program was launched in February 2007 with the intent of demonstrating to the downtown community and City Commissioners that ample on-street parking is available for patrons when downtown employees regularly use
off-street parking locations. The City Commission extended the length of the program for an additional 12 months at the request of downtown business owners. The pilot program cost the City of Sarasota approximately $400,000 in lost revenue.

A transitional plan, incrementally increasing the fee, has been established to help the public ease back to the traditional parking permits program. For the next six months, the monthly permits will be offered at a reduced rate -- $30. The transition will be completed on April 1, 2009 when the fee will become $40. Prior to the free program, monthly permits cost $42.80.

The new parking permits are available at the Parking Collections Booth located on the first floor in City Hall, 1565 First Street. Office hours are Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.

A permit must be purchased to park in a specific lot. There are six locations six locations: First Street lot, Market Garage, Palm & Main Lot, Cocoanut Lot, Orange & 2nd Lot, Gulfstream Lot.

Free all-day parking is also available at the Orange & Dolphin Lot, 5th Street Lot and
on-street along Gulfstream Avenue.

For more information contact Susan Dodd, Parking Manager: 365-2200 ext. 4365.

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com