Volusia County Council says no to beach toll changes, votes to explore new parking charges
The Volusia County Council voted Tuesday to drop the idea of changing beach toll rates and instead focus on creating an off-beach parking fee system that would charge non-residents for off-beach parking.
The Council voted 4-3 to drop the discussion on possibly changing vehicle access charges for the beach. Council members Don Dempsey, Troy Kent and Jeff Brower voted against the motion to drop the issue.
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The Council also voted 6-1, with Brower in opposition, to have staff bring back recommendations for a parking system that would charge non-residents for off-beach parking.
Brower said he didn't want to move forward with that aspect without addressing charges to get on the beach. He said he wants free vehicle access to the beaches for all.
The county maintains about 3,994 off-beach parking spaces, and 2,264 of those are free, according to a county presentation. The paid spots are at the Ocean Center, Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia Council to explore parking fees for visitors
