Changes to Downtown Pensacola Parking Starting August 1
Starting August 1, 2024, the City of Pensacola will implement several changes to downtown parking regulations. As reported by WEAR News.
These updates are designed to improve parking availability and turnover in high-demand areas. Here are the key changes:
Elimination of 2-Hour Parking: The two-hour-only parking option will be removed.
Expansion of Paid Parking: Paid parking boundaries will be extended to cover more areas downtown.
New Paid Parking Hours: Paid parking will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sundays and national holidays will remain free of charge.
Affected Streets: MAP
Palafox Street (from Gregory Street to Main Street)
Zaragoza Street (from Palafox Street to Tarragona Street)
Government Street (from Palafox Street to Tarragona Street)
Jefferson Street (from Government Street to Zaragoza Street)
Free Parking Locations:
Despite these changes, 70% of on-street parking spaces will remain free. Free parking will still be available at the following locations:
Community Maritime Park (surface lot, excluding special events)
Bayfront Parkway (surface lot)
Belmont-DeVilliers (surface lot)
South Palafox Marina (surface lot during select hours)
601 Commendencia (surface lot during select hours, excluding special events)
Spring Street
Reus Street
Main Street
Implementation Details:
The city will install new parking kiosks in the expanded areas, which will be activated on August 1. The first half-hour of parking will remain free after initiating a parking session on the PARKMobile app or at a parking kiosk.
Community Reactions:
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the community: Source- WEAR News
Some residents, like Jenni Muller, expressed concerns about the extended paid parking hours, particularly after midnight.
Business owners along Palafox Street had varying opinions, with some supporting the changes for improved parking availability and others fearing it might deter customers.
Resident Amelie Simmons suggested that more free parking is necessary to encourage people to visit downtown shops and restaurants.
Marcia Wingert, who visits her doctor on Palafox Street, questioned the convenience of paid parking for short visits.
Official Response:
Mayor D.C. Reeves explained that these changes are based on recommendations from a consultant to address long-standing parking issues in downtown Pensacola. He emphasized that the majority of parking spaces will remain free, ensuring accessibility for residents and visitors.
For more information on the City of Pensacola's parking regulations, please contact Jason Wheeler at 850-435-1623 or jwheeler@cityofpensacola.com.
These new parking regulations will take effect on August 1, so residents and visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly for their trips downtown.