Farewell to free beach parking? Naples City Council to decide

NAPLES, Fla. – The Naples City Council will consider making changes that could require Collier County residents to pay for parking on the beach.

The change, to be discussed Wednesday, would apply to those who have a Collier County Beach permit. The permit, a small green sticker, allows for free parking on beaches in Naples.

“It’s great,” said Robert Koskosky, a Collier County resident. “It’s a nice little perk besides the sunshine and everything else here in Naples.”

Koskosky said he is concerned that he will have to relinquish the perks of the permit, even after paying taxes.

“We pay taxes here, so I would hope that those taxes are also going for some of the beach things also but that would be enough to keep the parking permit situation the way it is,” he said.

For now, Koskosky and other residents are free to park on the beach at no cost. But Mayor John Sorey said parking fees are not bringing in much revenue.

“The number of individuals that are using the beach ends are predominantly county individuals,” Sorey said.

That is reason enough to look at ending the free parking program. But Sorey said changes could free up spots for Naples residents.

“I think it’s important to continue to look at the numbers and determine what is equitable as far as the city is concerned,” Sorey said.

Every year, Collier County gives Naples $400,000 for its beaches. Koskosky said he thinks that money should be more than enough, but if not, that county officials should look into other ways to generate funds.

City Council members will discuss options during a workshop. The mayor said he does not anticipate any abrupt changes.