Holmes Beach Commissioner Floats Idea of Paid Beach Parking
Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins proposed exploring paid beach parking, sparking debate among city officials. Here’s where the commission stands.
As originally reported by The Anna Maria Island Sun News
Is Paid Beach Parking Coming to Anna Maria Island
At a recent Holmes Beach City Commission meeting, Commissioner Dan Diggins raised the idea of implementing paid parking at beach access points within a quarter mile of the shoreline. While acknowledging he isn’t a parking expert, Diggins said the city should at least start discussing whether charging for beachside parking could help offset shrinking revenue sources. He pointed to a 2015 Urban Land Institute study that suggested free parking is not a right and noted that modern automated systems could streamline payments while helping drivers find open spaces.
The suggestion sparked debate among city leaders. Mayor Judy Titsworth and several commissioners said paid parking might be inevitable in the future but don’t see the need to act now. Commissioner Carol Whitmore was strongly against the idea, saying beach access should remain free—particularly for seniors and families with limited budgets. Commissioners Steve Oelfke and Terry Schaefer noted they’d prefer to wait until Manatee County or the other Island cities make a move before considering it. For now, Holmes Beach will keep its existing mix of free and resident-only parking, but the discussion signaled the possibility of workshops and further debate in the years ahead.
FAQs About Anna Maria Island Beach Parking
Is beach parking free on Anna Maria Island?
Yes, parking at most beach access points on Anna Maria Island remains free, though some streets are restricted to residents during daytime hours.
Where can visitors park in Holmes Beach?
Visitors can use designated free parking spaces near street-end beach access points, marked with encircled “P” signs. Resident-only parking zones are also in place in certain areas.
Could Holmes Beach switch to paid parking in the future?
It’s possible. City officials said paid parking may be “inevitable someday,” but no decision has been made. Any change would likely require coordination with Manatee County and other Island cities.
Are the county beach lots free?
Yes. Manatee County currently controls Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach, and Cortez Beach, where parking is still free of charge.