Mayor Proposes Visitor Fees to Fund Storm Recovery Efforts Locally
A proposal has been made to implement tolls for tourists at access points to St. Pete Beach in Florida. The plan, put forth by Mayor Adrian Petrila, aims to generate revenue to repair damage caused by hurricanes. The city requires approximately $200 million to restore its infrastructure.
The proposed tolls would be located at the northern, central, and southern access points to the barrier island. The funds collected would be used to repair and upgrade essential infrastructure, including seawalls, stormwater systems, and sewer pipes.
The city’s infrastructure was damaged by hurricanes Milton and Helene, which had a significant impact on the area. The mayor’s plan is intended to help the city recover from the damage and improve its resilience to future storms.
However, not everyone supports the proposal, with some business owners expressing concerns that the tolls could deter tourists and negatively impact local businesses. They argue that the loss of tourism-related revenue could have unintended consequences for the local economy.
The proposal is currently under consideration, with the city weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of the plan. The mayor’s goal is to restore the city’s infrastructure to a functional state, but the opposition from business owners may affect the outcome.