St. Pete Beach Toll Proposal Faces Resident Backlash
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. – A proposal to implement a $1 toll on St. Pete Beach is sparking important opposition from residents and business owners who fear the plan will burden locals and harm the island’s economy. The city is considering the toll as a potential funding source for critical infrastructure improvements, including wastewater and stormwater repairs.
Signs proclaiming “Tolls = resident tax” and “No tolls = no tax” have begun appearing across the island, and a petition against the toll has already garnered over 1,600 signatures.Opponents argue the proposal is flawed, citing legal restrictions on toll revenue usage and concerns about equitable application.
According to Florida law,funds collected from tolls can only be allocated to road projects – not the wastewater or stormwater repairs the city has identified as priorities. Furthermore,the group opposing the toll points out that state law mandates tolls be applied uniformly,perhaps negating any intended exemptions for residents or workers.
Business owners are particularly concerned about the financial impact on employees and customers. Ken Hautman, co-owner of Chill Restaurant and Bar, noted that a daily toll would substantially add to the commuting costs of his employees who live off the island. Others worry that tourism and off-island traffic, vital to many businesses, could decline.
Matt Vario, owner of The Toasted Monkey, is distributing anti-toll signs and cautions residents that, despite the intention to target tourists, locals could ultimately bear the financial burden.
Despite the widespread opposition, one resident voiced support for exploring the toll option during public comment at Monday night’s city commission meeting.
City Manager is preparing a formal presentation on the proposal, expected to be reviewed by commissioners early next year. No vote has been scheduled.
Source: Reporting from FOX 13’s Jennifer Kveglis, comments from Monday’s St. Pete Beach commission meeting, interviews with local business owners and statements from city officials.
Tags: Pinellas County, Transportation
