Business Owners Rally Against St. Pete Beach Toll Proposal: A Battle for Survival

Share and Follow

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — A wave of protest signs has emerged outside businesses in St. Pete Beach, responding to a proposed plan to introduce tolls at all entry points to the barrier island. These signs, emblazoned with the message “Tolls=Resident Tax,” reflect a community pushback against the idea.

“This proposal amounts to a tax on everyone—residents, employees, and visitors alike, whether they’re from Pinellas County or as far away as Canada. It simply isn’t beneficial for anyone,” stated Matt Vario, the owner of The Toasted Monkey.

The contentious issue of tolls has stirred debate among locals, echoing broader legislative discussions such as the Florida lawmakers’ clash over a bill to reduce the gun-buying age to 18.

Patti McKinney of Big Joe Brewski’s expressed concerns that the tolls could discourage visitors. “It could drive them to other destinations like downtown or Treasure Island for leisure activities. We already face challenges with limited attractions here, so we desperately need tourists now more than ever,” she explained.

The toll proposal was initially introduced to the city commission in early November by Mayor Adrian Petrila. He informed the commissioners that St. Pete Beach requires approximately $200 million to address infrastructure needs stemming from hurricane damage in 2024. Mayor Petrila suggested that tourists could play a role in generating these necessary funds.

He expects that a $1 charge for tourists would create approximately $100 million in about 10 years. Fees would be waived for businessowners, employees, and residents of St. Pete Beach.

“We know that the vast majority of traffic, the vast majority of impact on our infrastructure is not from our residents. Why do we keep putting the burden on the residents? Why do we keep asking residents to pay for the impact that other people are causing?” Petrila said.

The plan has not been brought up at a city commission meeting since early November. December 2’s meeting does not have it on the agenda. A vote has not been scheduled.