Fernandina Beach residents have effectively ended the downtown paid‑parking program after a decisive ballot measure earlier this month. More than three‑quarters of voters—approximately 75%—supported the citizen‑initiated petition to eliminate fees on Centre Street and surrounding areas.
Voter decision and city response
The ballot initiative, placed on the October ballot by a grassroots coalition, asked voters whether the city should continue charging for parking in the central business district. The measure passed overwhelmingly, reflecting strong community opposition to what many saw as an unnecessary tax on drivers and visitors.
Following the vote, City Manager Sarah Campbell issued a news release confirming that the city will honor the referendum’s outcome. “We appreciate the professionalism and partnership One Parking has demonstrated throughout this process,” Campbell said. She added that the city will work with the parking‑management firm to fulfill the terms of the existing agreement while winding down operations.
Contract cancellation and future revenue plans
On Tuesday, the City Commission voted to cancel its contract with One Parking, effectively ending the paid‑parking service on Nov. 18. The cancellation also aligns with the commission’s broader goal, set last year, to seek revenue sources beyond traditional taxes as Fernandina Beach’s population continues to grow.
City officials noted that the anticipated revenue from paid parking was intended to fund several major projects, including a new seawall estimated at $20 million to $25 million, the demolition of Brett’s Waterway Café to expand existing docks, and the renovation of aging downtown infrastructure. With the program ending, the city will need to explore alternative financing options for these initiatives.
Details of the former parking program
Paid parking had been in effect since February of this year, covering all public lots and curbside spaces along Centre Street from Ash Street to Alachua Street, as well as Front Street east to—but not including—8th Street. Drivers received a 20‑minute grace period to run quick errands without charge. After that window, fees were $2 per hour between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and $1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The program faced immediate grassroots opposition. An October lawsuit sought an injunction to halt the rollout, though a judge dismissed most of the complaint. Many residents organized on a Facebook page called “Citizens Against Paid Parking,” which helped mobilize support for the ballot measure.
What happens next?
Until the Nov. 18 termination date, the paid‑parking system will continue to operate under its current rules, and city code specifies that collected fees are non‑refundable. After that date, the downtown area will revert to free parking, and the city will begin evaluating other revenue‑generation strategies to support its infrastructure goals.
The outcome underscores the power of local voter engagement in shaping municipal policy, especially when it concerns everyday issues like parking that directly affect families, businesses, and visitors.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
