Neptune Beach Workers Protest Parking Hikes

Workers in Neptune Beach are voicing strong opposition to recent parking price increases in the town center. A petition initiated by employees is urging the city council to establish a free parking lot. The city's decision to raise hourly parking fees from $1.35 to a new rate of $2.50 during the day and $5 after 5:00 PM has caused significant financial distress.

Employees cite long-standing parking concerns that have now become critical. One restaurant worker shared that her parking expenses nearly matched her shift earnings, stating, "My thought every single day on the way here is, where am I going to park, and how much am I gonna have to pay to park?" This financial burden has workers feeling like they are losing money simply by going to work.

While the Neptune Beach City Council has not yet responded to the petition, they have updated online information regarding parking. The city now states that residents of Neptune and Atlantic Beach can park for up to four hours for free if they register. However, for many workers, this accommodation does not address the core issue of affordable, consistent parking for their daily employment.