BEACH ACCESS FEES/OFFEACH PARKING

Background

The Volusia Beach Advisory Board has recommended that the County Council increase tolls for out-of-towners as part of its updated beach management plan. The Board’s did not recommend any specific amount - County Council would make that decision.

Beach tolls are collected at $5 per day between February 1 and November 30. Beach access is always free to pedestrians and bicyclists. Volusia County also offers an annual (vehicle access) pass to Volusia County residents ($20) with proof of residence and non-residents ($40). Passes can be purchased at any beach ramp.

Even with cars remaining on the beach, there will be an ongoing need for off-beach parking – at this time, 4500 cars can be parked on the beach.

Last year, the Beach Advisory Board last year sought to boost the rate from $5 to $10 for daily fees and from $40 to $50 for annual passes. The board also suggested the county charge $3 for cars parked in off-beach lots, which are now free. Together, those fees could bring in at least $800,000 a year to help pay for additional beachfront parking lots.

The Board’s reasoning is that Volusia County should charge a parking fee comparable to theme parks in other parts of the State. The cost of beachside property is escalating and could become too expensive if a dedicated funding source to acquire land is not agreed upon. Currently, toll revenue pays 1/3 of the cost of maintaining the beach. A survey taken last year found that four out of five beach drivers paying the daily rate at Volusia's 15 tollbooths came from outside the county and most were day-trippers.

There is some reluctance as some are concern that increasing the daily tolls will deter day-trippers who spend money in area restaurants and shops.

The Beach Advisory Board’s plan outlines the county's responsibility for parks, ramps, walkways and other beach-related issues. It would suggest any increase in tolls begin in February 2006.

Position

The Daytona Beach/Halifax Area Chamber believes that non-county resident annual rates be increased (as opposed to County residents) with additional revenue earmarked for land acquisition, construction of off-beach parking lots, in addition to maintenance of lots.

The Chamber also supports charging to use off-beach parking lots (a daily set price) and that land be considered east and west of A1A.

3/05