Paid Parking to Continue Until Nov. 18

Downtown paid parking in Fernandina Beach will remain in effect until Nov. 18 while the city completes the 90-day termination process required under its contract with One Parking.

The city announced the termination date Tuesday, one week after 75% of voters rejected paid parking in an Aug. 18 special election.

Responding to the overwhelming referendum result, the City Commission voted 4-1 on Aug. 19 to terminate the One Parking agreement as soon as contractually possible.

The city has now formally notified One Parking that it is ending the agreement. Under the contract, the company is entitled to 90 days’ notice.

That means motorists must continue paying to park downtown through Nov. 18. The program will operate under its existing rules until then.

The city also said payments already made will not be refunded. City officials cited a provision in the city code stating that parking fees are nonrefundable.

City Manager Sarah Campbell praised One Parking for cooperating with the city as it shuts down the controversial program.

“We appreciate the professionalism and partnership One Parking has demonstrated throughout this process,” Campbell said. “While the program will be ending, we are grateful for their willingness to work with the City and honor the terms of our agreement as we move forward.”

The city said it will release additional information about the transition as the Nov. 18 closing date approaches.