TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Right now, there are 430 metered parking spaces on Treasure Island, but more are coming.
"I think it's ridiculous." said Troy Clemons.
City leaders voted to add 42 new meters. They will go on 127th Avenue, 102nd Avenue, 101st Avenue and Kingfish Drive.
"It makes no sense," said Clemons.
City leaders say they're adding the meters to deal with the growing overcrowding and safety concerns, especially on Kingfish Drive.
Clemons is one of several who parks on Kingfish to go fishing. There are also people who park there for the businesses, restaurants and work like Phil Henry, who works in Johns Pass Village.
"I've enjoyed the walk and the beauty of what I see everyday," Henry said.
He also enjoys not having to pay the $5 to park in the garage.
"If I work 200 days a year that's $5 a day for parking," Henry said. "I've saved a thousand dollars a year."
It also helps him avoid a headache.
"I can be in that parking garage for 45 minutes just trying to get out because every car has to stop to wait for the arm to come up," he said.
Phil has already started to prepare himself for the meters, now that they've officially been approved.
"I going to have to pack a bit more patience with me."
The meters are going to cost the city more than $40,700. They will all be installed before the start of next peak season.
