Fernandina Beach Paid Parking Generates $100,963 in First Week After Feb. 16 Launch

By Mike Lednovich/Editor

Fernandina Beach’s controversial paid parking program in the historic downtown district generated $100,963 in gross revenue during its first week after going live Feb. 16, according to a report from Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson.

The figures represent the program’s first seven days of operation. City officials noted that One Parking, the city’s contracted operator, is still building out reporting features, but preliminary data provides an initial snapshot of performance.

Revenue breakdown

• Hourly paid parking (visitors)

• $21,533 generated through hourly transactions.

• An average of 563 paid transactions per day.

• The busiest day was Saturday, with 1,020 transactions.

• The lowest day was Wednesday, with 412 transactions.

These payments are made through posted signage directing users to the city’s parking management system.

Permitted paid parking

• $79,460 generated through annual permits.

• 5,016 city resident permits issued (free for up to two vehicles per household).

• 619 non-city resident permits issued at $124 per permit.

The majority of first-week revenue reflects early non-resident annual permit purchases rather than ongoing hourly turnover.

The city remains in a 30-day grace period, during which no citations are being issued. Enforcement is scheduled to begin March 16.

Program expenses include $26,964 per month for parking management services, as well as transaction processing fees associated with each payment.

The $100,963 figure represents gross revenue and does not account for those operating costs.

Paid parking has been one of the most divisive issues in the city in recent years. The City Commission approved the program amid broader debates over the impact on downtown businesses, neighborhoods and the small town vibe of the city.

Supporters argued the system would shift more of the financial burden to visitors, improve parking turnover in high-demand areas, and provide a recurring revenue stream tied to downtown activity.

Opponents countered that it could harm local businesses, deter visitors, and was adopted without sufficient public support. The issue became central to a citizen-led referendum effort and remains a flashpoint in local politics. A referendum vote on the program is Aug. 18.

While one week is insufficient to establish long-term trends, the data suggests strong weekend utilization. The 1,020 paid transactions recorded on Saturday indicate substantial visitor engagement despite the introduction of fees.

City officials have indicated more comprehensive reporting metrics will be available as the system matures and enforcement begins.

For now, the first-week revenue provides the first measurable financial benchmark for a program that has significantly reshaped parking policy in Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown.