Pay to park in Seaside?

**Mightyern** · 08-15-2012, 08:33 AM

Heard from a reliable source (seemed like it wasn't common knowledge yet) that today begins a trial run of paid parking in Seaside. Parking will include Central Square and Smolian Circle and will be $5.00. It will be managed by a valet company.

Good idea/Bad idea?

Obviously traffic and too many cars has become a real problem over there but does this leave ANY free public parking?

Employees will be parking and taking a shuttle from an empty lot at 283 which will run from 7am-12am. I think this is actually a good idea as long as it does not hinder employees getting to/from work on time.

I don't have an opinion one way or another because I rarely go into Seaside because of overcrowding. When I do, I almost always ride my bike.

Opinions? Thoughts?

Guess they've gotta pay for those bathrooms somehow....

**kurt** · 08-15-2012, 09:20 AM

I guess you saw my tweet this morning.

School seems to have started back across most of the country and parking is easy everywhere in SoWal.

**Mightyern** · 08-15-2012, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

I guess you saw my tweet this morning.

School seems to have started back across most of the country and parking is easy everywhere in SoWal.

Oh, no actually, I don't follow you on Twitter because I rarely use it. I got the info from a person who works in the area. I moved from Sowal to PC recently so I don't know how things are looking.

**Mightyern** · 08-15-2012, 09:45 AM

Also appears my post was before your tweet....oHHHHH BREAKING NEWS! haha ;)

**kurt** · 08-15-2012, 10:14 AM

lol

**Camp Creek Kid** · 08-15-2012, 10:16 AM

I think it is a horrible idea now that the summer season is over because this will deter locals from going to Seaside. Might have been a good idea at the height of the summer season, but this is going to kill the businesses at Seaside. I have children at the school and they have given us a pass that says "Pass Through Only" meaning that we are allowed to pick up our children, but not to park. This will greatly deter local families from stopping at Seaside after school for a snack at Modica's, a quick trip to SunDog's for a book, and other shopping. We have been stopping at Seaside after school for years! I also have a 16 yr. old daughter who works in Seaside and this is going to add 30 minutes to her 10 min. drive to work. So said to see this.

**30A Skunkape** · 08-15-2012, 10:25 AM

Will be interesting to see what initiates the collapse of this scheme first-the irrate homeowners having people park on their 'private' streets or the traffic snarl on the Chas. Modica Hospitality Hwy. New Urbanists might review what happened to old urbanist business when parking became a tolled luxury.

**Mightyern** · 08-15-2012, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Camp Creek Kid

I think it is a horrible idea now that the summer season is over because this will deter locals from going to Seaside. Might have been a good idea at the height of the summer season, but this is going to kill the businesses at Seaside. I have children at the school and they have given us a pass that says "Pass Through Only" meaning that we are allowed to pick up our children, but not to park. This will greatly deter local families from stopping at Seaside after school for a snack at Modica's, a quick trip to SunDog's for a book, and other shopping. We have been stopping at Seaside after school for years! I also have a 16 yr. old daughter who works in Seaside and this is going to add 30 minutes to her 10 min. drive to work. So said to see this.

Thank you for pointing this out. I really didn't think about the fact that it is now the END of the peak season and there really isn't much traffic to speak of down there in the off season.

Doesn't seem logical to start now only when businesses thrive off of locals for the off season when locals have plenty of other places they can go that won't charge for parking. I'm wondering if this is just temporary for the remainder of the busy August/September end of summer crowd or if this is just going to be the norm from now on.

I volunteer at The REP quite a bit and would hate to be charged for parking when I am coming to GIVE my time to an organization that brings quite a bit to the Seaside community. Pretty A$$ backwards if I do say so myself.

Kurt, since I beat you to the punch this morning I will at least follow you to make up for it.

**tsutcli** · 08-15-2012, 10:40 AM

Just confirmed with an employee in Ruskin that plan is in effect. She paid the $5

**Zebraspots** · 08-15-2012, 11:22 AM

Thanks, I saw the valet parking signs and roped off parking around the amphitheater this morning and wondered what was going on.

I already avoid Seaside events and frequent their businesses less due to the parking issues and higher prices. Making me pay more money and requiring me to give my car keys to a stranger is not a solution.

They need to come up with a better plan.

**30A Skunkape** · 08-15-2012, 12:41 PM

Relax, parking is only $2.50 with your Tarpon Club card. What more can we locals ask for?!

**Lake View Too** · 08-15-2012, 01:03 PM

do golf carts park free?

**Teresa** · 08-15-2012, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Camp Creek Kid

I think it is a horrible idea now that the summer season is over because this will deter locals from going to Seaside. Might have been a good idea at the height of the summer season, but this is going to kill the businesses at Seaside. I have children at the school and they have given us a pass that says "Pass Through Only" meaning that we are allowed to pick up our children, but not to park. This will greatly deter local families from stopping at Seaside after school for a snack at Modica's, a quick trip to SunDog's for a book, and other shopping. We have been stopping at Seaside after school for years! I also have a 16 yr. old daughter who works in Seaside and this is going to add 30 minutes to her 10 min. drive to work. So said to see this.

Camp Creek Kid - very well stated. So much for dropping in for a quick coffee, lunch or shopping on a regular basis.

**Jdarg** · 08-15-2012, 01:13 PM

I had to check the date to make sure this wasn't an April Fool's joke.

**groveral** · 08-15-2012, 01:23 PM

this is being done to control crowded parking? i think the more likely outcome is to "control" people shopping there. I would never consider paid parking to shop.

Bike or walk for me from now on---but, not happy about this move which seems more about money than control.

**Zebraspots** · 08-15-2012, 01:44 PM

Are there any attempts to address the root problems?

Any plans to provide public transportation or shuttles from other parking?

Is there a discount for cars with 3 or more people to encourage carpooling?

Any price breaks to encourage fly-in visitors to take a taxi from the airport instead of a rental car?

**Jdarg** · 08-15-2012, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Zebraspots

Are there any attempts to address the root problems?

Any plans to provide public transportation or shuttles from other parking?

Is there a discount for cars with 3 or more people to encourage carpooling?

Any price breaks to encourage fly-in visitors to take a taxi from the airport instead of a rental car?

Are there really that many fly-in visitors staying on 30A? It always seems people who fly in stay in more full service resort-like areas or hotels (in Destin and PCB)- places where they can just show up with a suitcase. There is no way the typical 30A vacationer could get the contents of an SUV on a plane. That is funny.

**Mightyern** · 08-15-2012, 02:17 PM

I just received word that there is a max of 10-15 cars or so in Central Square. Inside scoop is also that the valets aren't the brightest, leave their post often and lots of cars are sneaking by on Smolian. This is kinda a bummer for all the wonderful businesses in Seaside that people may not frequent as often due to the parking fee. Hopefully someone raises hell.

**beachma** · 08-15-2012, 02:36 PM

My husband and I are flying down next Saturday for a much anticipated 9 day stay in Seagrove. This is our first trip down in 3 years without our children and grandchildren. We always stay on the beach side of 30A, but spend lots of time in Seaside...often making multiple trips in a day to have breakfast, return to our condo/beach, then back to Seaside for dinner/shopping. Paying $5 for each trip seems quite over the top and will definitely deter us from as many trips we normally make to spend our money at shops, restaurants, etc. Very disappointing! Reminds me of when we encountered the huge "Private Beach for Seaside Guests Only" signs a few years back!

**NotDeadYet** · 08-15-2012, 02:53 PM

Drove by a few minutes ago. Ten or 15 cars is about right, and much less foot traffic than normal.
I used to pop into Modica frequently and Dawson's once and a while, etc. No more.
Will it be $5 parking for the farmer's market too??
FYI - the TDC parking lot between Seaside and WaterColor is nearly full. Guess the TDC bought Seaside an overflow parking lot.

**shesgottasurf** · 08-15-2012, 03:15 PM

I wonder how the merchants of Seaside feel about this. Personally, I detest valet parking and paying to park, and there's no way I will pay to go shop or to eat out around here. There are too many other fantastic restaurants and shops in the area to choose from where I can pay $5 less for dinner, not hand strangers my keys, not worry about what I left in the car while i'm there, etc, etc, etc.

How might this affect the surrounding areas? You know people will park in front of the shops of Watercolor or in the Watercolor and Seagrove (AND Seaside) neighborhoods and walk in to Seaside to avoid valet... I am finding it very hard to believe they are trying this out as an option. I think the employee shuttle is a good solution to help ease parking woes, but cutting down on 'traffic' by charging to park? (And granted, I don't know if the idea is to help traffic issues, or WHAT the purpose of this was) If it's to ease traffic, well, less traffic equals less customers, doesn't it? How does this help the merchants of Seaside? As a local, I will never pay to park in Seaside. I doubt I'm the only one.

**justhavinfun** · 08-15-2012, 03:19 PM

You are not alone! You have to wonder who the rocket scientist was that came up with this idea - Sounds like a good opportunity for one of our newly elected commissioners to address this issue? You also have to wonder if "Seaside" is a private community? If so, who would write the ticket if someone parked in a handicapped spot? The Sheriffs Department or does Seaside now have a private police force? WTF over!!

**Williams4** · 08-15-2012, 03:24 PM

We love Seaside. Our girls love playing while we grab a coffee. But, we won't pay to park. Looks like we will be walking or going to Alys for coffee and playtime! I sure hope it's not like this during the off season- it's a lose lose for locals an businesses!

**Jdarg** · 08-15-2012, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by justhavinfun

You are not alone! You have to wonder who the rocket scientist was that came up with this idea - Sounds like a good opportunity for one of our newly elected commissioners to address this issue? You also have to wonder if "Seaside" is a private community? If so, who would write the ticket if someone parked in a handicapped spot? The Sheriffs Department or does Seaside now have a private police force? WTF over!!

I doubt the BCC has any sway in this, as it is a private community. However, the havoc it could cause on 30A would be an interesting argument.

I just heard from a reliable source that this is a test for Labor Day and yard sale day.

**Arkiehawg** · 08-15-2012, 03:52 PM

As a local, I can assure you that unless I can find a free convenient parking spot, Seaside Restaurants won't be getting my business. I won't pay for Valet parking in their quest for greed....

**shesgottasurf** · 08-15-2012, 03:58 PM

Just heard from a Seaside Merchant that an irate customer came in complaining about getting a $150 ticket for parking in Seaside. (Did not hear where she was parked) She said this is the last time they will be coming to the town. Niiiiiiice job, Seaside!

**Zebraspots** · 08-15-2012, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by Jdarg

I doubt the BCC has any sway in this, as it is a private community. However, the havoc it could cause on 30A would be an interesting argument.

I just heard from a reliable source that this is a test for Labor Day and yard sale day.

Because nothing goes with bargain shopping like paid valet parking! Who are they kidding?

**JMT** · 08-15-2012, 04:19 PM

Just in time for football season! Wait, what's the latest on TVs?

**ckhagen** · 08-15-2012, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by shesgottasurf

Just heard from a Seaside Merchant that an irate customer came in complaining about getting a $150 ticket for parking in Seaside. (Did not hear where she was parked) She said this is the last time they will be coming to the town. Niiiiiiice job, Seaside!

They can't possibly enforce that.

**shesgottasurf** · 08-15-2012, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by ckhagen

They can't possibly enforce that.

I don't think so either, but I don't think the irate guest knew...

**relax** · 08-15-2012, 05:16 PM

all the common folk are what keeps the business boming in seaside. for principal of it i'd never pay a dime to park. Its insulting as i'm going there to overpay 100% anyway plus they want to charge to park

**coondog** · 08-15-2012, 05:22 PM

You can thank Robert Davis for the parking fee.

**Garner** · 08-15-2012, 05:26 PM

My friends who are merchants in Seaside are universally opposed to this. I am hoping that this is truly a one day experiment and the powers that be in Seaside realize the folly. Seaside, this is a big mistake and you are punishing the merchants who make money for you by discouraging the locals from shopping and dining there. Remember, we who live here support Seaside merchants 12 months of the year, not just one week.

**tsutcli** · 08-15-2012, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Jdarg

I doubt the BCC has any sway in this, as it is a private community. However, the havoc it could cause on 30A would be an interesting argument.

I just heard from a reliable source that this is a test for Labor Day and yard sale day.

Yes, this was a trial run from what I was told. Supposed to start Labor Day (crazy ).

**Beach Runner** · 08-15-2012, 05:41 PM

My opinion is that in the summer until K-12 starts back to school and during Atlanta spring break, the parking fee is justified. During those times, we stop patronizing Seaside because it is too annoying to fight for parking spots. But imposing a parking fee during other than those times of the year is ridiculous. It hurts the merchants. During the high traffic times, the idea of shuttle buses for employees is a great idea -- my brother works for Delta in ATL does that every day. But when traffic on 30A is so sparse that one could bowl on 30A with no danger, the rules should change.

**rosemarydreamer** · 08-15-2012, 06:42 PM

What has the powers to be in Seaside been smoking? The must be completely out of their pea picking minds. We found this little piece of paradise by accident and ever since we have been coming twice a year for several years. While on 30A we make several trips a day to eat and shop in Seaside. The next great idea that they will want to do is put up a toll booth at each end of the town limits. The first time I'm charged for parking will be my last. I will find another place to spend my money.

**bluemtnrunner** · 08-15-2012, 06:55 PM

Come to Rosemary Beach! Plenty of free parking. Live music, football on TV. We at Edward's and all of Rosemary welcome you!

**shellak** · 08-15-2012, 08:19 PM

I am still scratching my head over why we need the TDC to bring in more visitors. If Seaside cannot accommodate parking for current tourists as well as the locals and employees, why would we encourage more people to come here? We already deal with overflow at all the beach accesses, and 30a will not be widened. This stupid charge makes Seaside more elitist and less people friendly. You are dead right about going to the other communities. I, too, feel bad for the Seaside businesses and wonder if they had any input in this decision. We enjoy going to Modica for a beer, coffee, dessert, etc. and shopping in the other stores but we are NOT paying $5.00 for the privilege of paying more money in the first place. I do understand the property owners frustration with the parking but they did know this was a mixed use community, right???

**hippiechick** · 08-15-2012, 08:36 PM

I live in Seagrove Beach and find myself at Seaside a lot for Modica treats, Sundog books( spend a small fortune there, not to mention Rolland's Beauty Bar where I get my hair done every 4 weeks, and the Pizza Bar, meeting girlfriends at Crush, getting pineapple sorbet, ect ect ect ect

Now Seaside wants me to pay $5 to park every time I spend my hard earned money at your establishments?
You know what I say to you Mr Greedy Davis.....********* whoops can't say that but I want to.

Destin commons here I come! Maybe some of Seasides vendors will move to a more consumer friendly location before they go belly up!

**Wekick** · 08-15-2012, 08:59 PM

Don't they want to get rid of the vendors anyway? They can build more condos that way. That's the plan right?

**santa rosa looking** · 08-15-2012, 09:05 PM

You have so much info. You sure you don't work there?

**starfsh** · 08-15-2012, 09:47 PM

We are locals and go to Seaside often to grab a bite, a drink, shop etc. We headed to Seaside this evening to have dinner. When we saw the $5 parking fee we kept on going and ate elsewhere. We will NOT pay to park in Seaside. Lots of other great places to eat and shop for free. The merchants of Seaside lost our business tonight. We were planning to dine there this weekend too, but are now making other plans. What is the motive? If this move is to alleviate traffic, the traffic tonight was worse than ever. I will bid Seaside goodbye before I will pay to spend my money there.

**PJJ** · 08-15-2012, 11:43 PM

As a local and an elitist I'm torn. It's great that I don't have to worry about finding a space to park if I do end up going to Seaside on a busy weekend (when people inevitably visit and want to go to Seaside). I will GLADLY pay $5 rather than drive around for 30 minutes trying to park. I'd rather they charge $20 to thin the herd. On the other hand there's no way I'm wasting time to have someone park and retrieve my vehicle if I just want to take the kids for ice cream at any given time.

Not my call on any of the above, just don't slow down 30a more than it already is through there. If that happens I'm guessing the locals watch the valet stand suffering the same unfortunate fire we see in the offseason with underperforming restaurants.

**joho** · 08-15-2012, 11:56 PM

Here's what I don't get:

Think of all the restaurants that are located in Seaside...Bud and Alleys, Pizza Bar, Tarpon Bar, Taco Bar, Crush, Southern Cafe, Modica, Dawson, Pickels, Shrimp Shack, and then the silver bullets, all these businesses have seating.
Doesn't Walton County enforce the amount of parking spaces for each of these businesses based on seating and square footage?

Is Seaside exempted of this code?

I haven't even mentioned the store fronts and the required parking for them?????

**bluecat** · 08-16-2012, 08:16 AM

Is the fairy tail town closing down?

**Geo** · 08-16-2012, 08:44 AM

I have been thinking about this like crazy since I first saw someone post about it on Facebook.

Seaside is wonderful. Many think so. Therefore it is a popular destination which shouldn't come as a big surprise that there will be traffic and lack of parking.

What I can't comprehend is how does valet parking solve either problem? I suspect it actually makes both worse.

I believe the fix is to open all neighborhood streets in Seaside to parking. First come, first served. No overnight parking without a sticker which would be given only to homeowners/renters. Put in a high tech parking meter system in the main circle (so that there wouldn't be a physical meter at each space- looks tacky). This would encourage folks to park on streets along the outskirts. Use 100% of the money collected from the meters to buy land in and around seaside which would be used for PARKING.

two cents, G

**Andy A** · 08-16-2012, 09:50 AM

My two cents. Thank God 30A has developed to the point that, for Betty and me, Seaside is no longer a prime destination. They will no longer receive any of my business and if other locals follow this rationale, the paid parking will not bode well for them in the off season.

**Teresa** · 08-16-2012, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

My opinion is that in the summer until K-12 starts back to school and during Atlanta spring break, the parking fee is justified. During those times, we stop patronizing Seaside because it is too annoying to fight for parking spots. But imposing a parking fee during other than those times of the year is ridiculous. It hurts the merchants. During the high traffic times, the idea of shuttle buses for employees is a great idea -- my brother works for Delta in ATL does that every day. But when traffic on 30A is so sparse that one could bowl on 30A with no danger, the rules should change.

Good points BR. Like you, I tend to stay away during peak seasons. But if and when I do go to Seaside I usually try to park just north of central square anyway - I wonder if that will still be allowed?

I have heard a little more info since yesterday - apparently it was a test run just for the day and if implemented, paid parking will be effective during the bigger holiday weeks such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc. I know parking is a problem and a solution is needed.

I hope Seaside will put out some information so we will know what we're talking about. We just don't know very much at this point.

I wonder how the employees fared with their new parking lot in Grayton?

**Teresa** · 08-16-2012, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Geo

I have been thinking about this like crazy since I first saw someone post about it on Facebook.

Seaside is wonderful. Many think so. Therefore it is a popular destination which shouldn't come as a big surprise that there will be traffic and lack of parking.

What I can't comprehend is how does valet parking solve either problem? I suspect it actually makes both worse.

I believe the fix is to open all neighborhood streets in Seaside to parking. First come, first served. No overnight parking without a sticker which would be given only to homeowners/renters. Put in a high tech parking meter system in the main circle (so that there wouldn't be a physical meter at each space- looks tacky). This would encourage folks to park on streets along the outskirts. Use 100% of the money collected from the meters to buy land in and around seaside which would be used for PARKING.

two cents, G

good ideas G!

I don't mind the meters at Destin Commons one bit - the money goes to local charities. But, still - I am not sure how that fixes the parking problem. The problem is not nearly enough parking available anywhere in Seaside - during peak times of the year. The solution is expanded parking - but where?

**Beach Runner** · 08-16-2012, 05:59 PM

Didn't I read on this message board that parking got restricted in Grayton this summer and that people had to park in a lot north of 30A and take a shuttle bus to the businesses there? Maybe that's the solution for Seaside. During the busy times of the year, the parking area where people park for the Seaside Marathon and 5K (by Suntrust) could be used, people parking there could be shuttled to/from Seaside, and a parking fee could be charged for people not willing to take a shuttle.

I'm sure someone will point out holes in this idea. No problem -- I won't be offended.