Commission adopts $2-per-hour day‑dock fees and five‑hour limits at Bay Park

The City Commission voted unanimously to adopt a new ordinance setting fees and time limits for the Bay Park day docks.

Parking general manager Broxton Harvey recommended a conservative rate of $2 per hour with a five‑hour maximum (daily cap $10) and posted enforcement hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enforcement will use existing mobile platforms (ParkMobile and Passport); staff said signage and app instructions will be posted at the docks. Harvey compared municipal and regional marina rates and positioned Sarasota’s fee at the low end of comparable waterfront facilities.

Commissioners asked about enforcement, special‑event flexibility and overnight restrictions. Staff said enforcement will be handled by parking enforcement staff who already monitor city lots; unpaid or overstay situations will be subject to warning or citation. The parking manager said staff will collect use and revenue data and return to the commission with adjustments if demand or event schedules require extended hours.

The ordinance passed on first reading without dissent; staff will return implementation details and monitor impacts.