St. Pete Beach Mayor Advocates for Tourist Tolls to Boost Local Infrastructure Funding

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ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — In an effort to address extensive infrastructure damage caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrila has suggested implementing tolls at key entry points to the barrier island. The proposed tolls would be imposed on tourists, with exemptions for local business owners, employees, and residents.

During a city commission meeting on Monday, Mayor Petrila emphasized the urgent need for funding, stating, “The city needs roughly $200 million to restore our infrastructure to a fully operational state.” The toll initiative is a component of a broader strategy aimed at generating revenue to repair and enhance seawalls, stormwater systems, sewer pipes, and other critical infrastructure.

According to data from the Florida Department of Transportation, St. Pete Beach experiences approximately 60,000 trips daily. The mayor projects that a modest $1 toll per trip could generate about $11 million annually, significantly contributing to the city’s financial needs for infrastructure repairs.

The toll plan, part of a larger project, would ideally create revenue to fix seawalls, stormwater systems, sewer pipes, and more. Approximately 60,000 trips are taken to St. Pete Beach daily, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. The mayor estimates a $1 toll would create around $11 million in revenue for the city each year.

Businessowners along the coastal portions of the beach told 8 On Your Side they are concerned over a loss of tourism-related profits, and traffic on the island.

“It’s just disheartening. It’s just another tax for a mismanaged city. That’s all it is. It’s already a time when business is down from the hurricane, from people already struggling. It’s just one more burden on the common people that just want to enjoy the beach,” said Matt Vario, the owner of the Toasted Monkey Bar and Restaurant.

The proposal did not include information on the price of the toll plazas, nor exactly where they would be placed.

“Something like this toll is really going to put a strain on these businesses. All those tourists and all the visitors that visit these restaurants and small businesses are simply going to go up the beach to Treasure Island. They’re going to go down to Terra Verde, and they’ll take their business elsewhere. I think this proposal is very shortsighted. It’s going to hurt our city,” said Scott Tate, a challenger to Petrila in the March election.

The item, presented by Mayor Petrila, was not on Monday’s city commission agenda. While commissioners did express concerns, the general consensus was to explore the project with a study to determine feasibility. Mayor Petrila did not respond to questions or comment on the proposal for this story.

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St. Pete Beach Mayor Advocates for Tourist Tolls to Boost Local Infrastructure Funding

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St. Pete Beach Mayor Advocates for Tourist Tolls to Boost Local Infrastructure Funding

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