Metered parking prep work underway

The City of Sarasota is preparing to resume the metered parking program Monday, October 3, 2011. Visitors will see fewer parking meters in the downtown core when the program resumes.

The changes comes as a result of an agreement reached by downtown business owners and the city. Visitors will also see seasonal meter rates as part of the agreement.

Meters are being removed from State Street, 1300 and 1500 blocks of First Street, Cocoanut Avenue and Gulfstream Avenue and installed on Main Street and Ringling Boulevard, east of U.S. 301, as well as Adams Lane and East Street. A half-dozen free 15 minute parking spaces also are being created on the 1300-1500 blocks of Main Street and will be clearly identifiable with different colored signs.

City staff is implementing several lessons learned from the initial parking meter rollout last May. According to a press release, visitors can expect improved signage on the machines with more information posted. Decals will notify users that no receipts are issued. Other signs will instruct users to verify their paid time simply by entering their 3-digit parking space number. Parking ambassadors, wearing bright green shirts with a large P, will be on the streets, beginning October 3, to assist visitors with the meters.

Metered parking enforcement hours will be Monday Saturday 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. with rates at $.50/hour May October and $1.00/hour November April. Users are not required to pay for a full hour when using coins. Free and low cost public parking still will be available throughout downtown.