{"id":1968,"date":"2013-09-26T07:56:31","date_gmt":"2013-09-26T11:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myparkingpermit.com\/blog\/?p=1968"},"modified":"2023-05-02T08:13:27","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T12:13:27","slug":"employee-parking-clearwater-beach-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myparkingpermit.com/blog\/employee-parking-clearwater-beach-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"No more free parking for employees in Clearwater Beach, Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

Clearwater Beach\u2019s high tourist inflow leads to parking congestion, especially in areas around the beach. Employees who work at beach businesses have a respite \u2013 some spots on side streets have been set aside for free parking. However, the city is planning to levy a charge on all free parking spots, infuriating local employees, while officials argue that the money is needed for beach maintenance and safety.<\/p>\n

Monthly parking decals to be introduced<\/h2>\n

City Manager Bill Horne says that the roughly 200 free spots<\/a> will now have parking meters. Those employed around the beach, or their employers have to shell out $40 a month and $60 during peak season for parking permits.<\/p>\n

Beach employees furious<\/h2>\n

The decision will directly affect those who serve the numerous hotels and other hangouts around the beaches. Elizabeth Makowski, a waitress at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill says, \u201cWe’re the ones who should be given a break on the parking. We make this beach what it is. We bring back the customers and we keep them coming back.\u201d She says that she is lucky to be making $40 a shift in off-season. \u201cPeople who work out here can’t afford<\/a> to pay it,\u201d she adds, about the $40 monthly parking decals.<\/p>\n

Makowski is now circulating a petition so that other workers can join the protest and stand-up against the hefty $480 a year parking fee. She has already got 462 signatures.<\/p>\n

Reason behind the move<\/h2>\n

City officials claim that they studied the issue for a few months before coming up with this decision. According to<\/a> city spokeswoman Joelle Castelli, the move was made with revenue generation in mind. \u201cWe’re talking about millions of dollars. 365 days of lifeguards is paid for by the parking fund, as well as every single morning they rake the beach,\u201d she says. Castelli proposes that employers<\/a> can buy the monthly decals as a perk to attract and retain employees.<\/p>\n

Mayor George Cretekos says, \u201cIt isn’t fair for some businesses to have free parking for their employees while others don’t. The free spots aren’t benefitting tourists.\u201d He did say, however, that reduced rates would be considered.<\/p>\n

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