City to implement gateless parking garage system

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota will install a new gateless system at all three City parking garages (Palm Avenue, State Street, St. Armands) on Tuesday, June 17 to make parking more technologically efficient for citizens and visitors.

The new system will require cars to pay within 15 minutes of entering the garage. Vehicles that do not pay within that time frame will receive a citation. Cameras will be installed at each entrance and exit to monitor license plates later this year.

There are multiple payment options for garage parking, including a new app, Passport, which is used exclusively for City garage parking. ParkMobile will also continue to be available for both garage and on-street parking. For those who wish to pay via a pay station, standalone machines, which accept coins and credit cards only, are available. 

The fee structure will remain the same. The first hour of parking is free. The second hour is $2, and each additional hour is $1 per hour. A flat rate of $5 is offered during special events. Parking is free in City garages on Sundays and holidays.

“By going gateless, we can improve traffic flow within some of our busiest downtown areas and on St. Armands Circle,” said Broxton Harvey, General Manager of Parking. “It is important to update our processes and technology to better serve our community, especially as our equipment continues to require service.”

Parking enforcement will also be extended to operate from 7:30 a.m. until each garage closes. The current hours of operation are as follows:

  • Palm Avenue (1289 N. Palm Ave.) and State Street (1538 State St.) garages:
    • Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. to midnight
    • Friday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
       
  • St. Armands garage (57 N. Adams Dr.):
    • Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Friday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight

Physical entrance and exit gates currently in use will be removed from each garage. During this transition, gates will remain in an upright position to allow vehicles to enter as the new system is installed.

Questions about paid parking and enforcement should be directed to ParkingInfo@sarasotafl.gov

For more information about parking services, please visit the Parking and Mobility page on the City of Sarasota website here.

Media Contact: News@sarasotafl.gov

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About the City of Sarasota:  Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 11 Best Place to Live in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse and inclusive community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 55,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, newly restored Donald Ross-designed municipal golf course, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov

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