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Atlantic Beach paid parking: City invites families to talk about plans

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When visitors and tourists are driving around Atlantic Beach, parking can be a challenge, no matter the time of day.

Atlantic Beach city leaders are hoping a paid parking program will mean more spots for families.

"It’s a pain, it really is. And you do see people park and leave their car all day," neighbor Teresa Linck said.

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City leaders are asking families to come to a meeting at City Hall at 6 p.m. Monday to talk about the plans.

Up for discussion are possible paid spots at Beaches Town Center and three beach accesses at 10th, 18th and 19th streets.

“To be honest, you kind of expect it. Usually in tourist spots,” sad Devan Yanik, who was visiting from Memphis, Tennessee.

The proposal comes as Neptune Beach is working on its own paid parking kiosks. Jacksonville Beach rolled them out in March.

Action News Jax found out from the police department Jax Beach's program generated $128,000 in the first 2 ½ months.

They're still pulling together numbers from June.

We’re told funds go toward staffing the lot and the city's general fund.

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Atlantic Beach commissioner Blythe Waters said any revenue from their program would pay for the system, with leftover revenue going toward improvements and cleanup around town.

"I think it would help in that people would turnover (spots), but I think it might hurt because people are so used to this area being sort of friendly to the beachers but there’s just not enough parking," Linck said.

Yanik and his wife said they wouldn't mind the extra charge.

“Drive around for a while, park, take your time, enjoy family,” Jennifer Yanik said.

Right now there is no timeline set for when the paid parking might begin.