Sanibel raises beach parking rates

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla.- Leaders on Sanibel Island voted Tuesday morning to raise parking rates from $3 an hour to $4 an hour in beach parking lots.

The extra money will be used to maintain the beaches, including clean up efforts, fixing erosion and keeping up the bathrooms.

Some visitors on the island say the money is worth it if it’s supporting the beach, but others say the price might drive people away.

The rate hike will take effect on November 1.

The city also raised the penalty from $50 to $75 if you do not pay a $50 parking fine within 14 days.