The city of Bradenton Beach is taking proactive steps to avoid a repeat of Memorial Day's parking chaos with an emergency declaration ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
The declaration, covering July 4-6, initiates an administrative process that permits city officials to deploy additional law enforcement, authorize overtime pay, and mobilize public works crews to manage the expected surge in beachgoers for the holiday weekend.
The city police say that the Memorial Day weekend attracted far more visitors than expected. By 10 a.m., all legal parking spots were taken, leading to widespread illegal parking throughout the city.
"They filled up really, really quickly," said Lt. Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department. "Once they're full, people just drive around for hours looking for a parking space. That adds a traffic issue, too. On weekends like this, we're backed up until probably seven or eight o'clock at night."
Some vehicles were even blocking side streets and impeding emergency vehicle access, creating serious public safety risks.
"It takes one person to do that, and you'll have a whole row of people doing the same," Diaz said. "Really, it's most importantly a safety issue."
The congestion has long frustrated both locals and visitors, especially during the busy season and holidays.
Brooklyn native Karen Nucci, who visits her mother in Bradenton Beach, says holidays like Easter or the Fourth of July make her think twice.
"What's a 10-minute ride to the beach takes one hour. My brother said he'd never do it again," she said. "You come here for the weather and these beautiful beaches, but the traffic just ruins it."
Visitor Tanya Cruz, from Youngstown, Ohio, experienced the same issues on Memorial Day.
"There was nothing at the beach — no available parking lots. After 2.5 hours, we just decided to leave. It was chaotic," she said.
The parking shortage also affects some local small businesses whose employees, customers, and delivery vans are unable to find parking nearby.
"Those spots are hard to find. People come early, park and stay all day," said Rejane Monnetti, owner of Monnetti Apparel Boutique.
With the emergency declaration, the city will increase staffing during the holiday weekend. This includes public works personnel to manage beach cleanup, which Diaz says can be "tremendous" after high-traffic weekends.
"There's a lot of garbage throughout the city that gathers in three days. You'd be amazed," Diaz noted.
Officials are also considering raising the parking fine from $75 to $100 by October after realizing that the current penalty doesn't deter violators.
"When you give a parking ticket of $75, people say, 'I can afford that—I'll pay it.' So it doesn't really help the matter," Diaz said.
More than 100 illegal parking violations were issued over Memorial Day weekend alone.
While enforcement ramps up, some residents and business owners are encouraging alternative transportation as they anticipate more permanent solutions in the form of more parking spots.
"I totally recommend the ferry. It's very reasonable — around $3 or even less," Monnetti said.
The police also remind visitors that there are more than 2,000 legal parking spaces available between county-managed lots and street parking. They urge people to arrive early, consider public transit, or use rideshare services to avoid fines and delays.
Looking ahead, city leaders are hoping the emergency measures will ease congestion, keep roads clear for first responders, and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
"The parking is just absolutely insane," Nucci said. "It's not just you looking for a spot — it's everybody else."
As the fireworks light up the skies this July 4, Bradenton Beach is determined not to let traffic woes overshadow the celebration.
0 Komentar