Tighter enforcement of downtown parking

Historic City News readers can tell you that if there were one overarching problem with living, working, or driving in downtown St Augustine, it would be trying to find a parking space when you need one.

Anyone whose lived here any amount of time, has spent time scoping out their own secret spot that they think nobody knows about and that they can sneak into — those parking spots are going to be fewer and further between, according to the City of St Augustine Parking Division.

“For one, the Tolomato Parking Lot, located between Cordova Street and Spanish Street, just a block south of Orange Street, will see stricter enforcement of parking regulations in the coming weeks,” director of Public Affairs Paul Williamson told Historic City News today.

The Tolomato parking lot is directly behind the new MOJO Old City BBQ and is heavily shaded with trees, making it convenient and easy on your car. It can accommodate 83 vehicles in 17 public metered spaces, one handicap space, and another 65 spaces that are reserved for use by permit holders.

The reserved spaces are rented, by the month, by businesses for their employees and by lodging establishments for both employees and guests.

The metered spaces are the same price as on-street parking, $1.50 per hour or $.50 per hour with a ParkNow Card.

If you live or work downtown, don’t try to “borrow” someone else’s space thinking you won’t get a ticket — more than likely you will, or you may have your vehicle towed. Instead, the City recommends that you look into a ParkNow Card and reminds you that metered spaces are free after 5:00 p.m. and all day on Sunday.