The Volusia County Council on Dec. 2 approved a modest parking‑rate increase at Daytona Beach International Airport aimed at offsetting capital needs tied to a new parking revenue system and to help fund parking‑related capital improvements.

Cyrus Callum, aviation and economic resources director, told the council the airport tracks passenger origins and that the majority of users are local residents and neighboring‑county travelers. He said the change will generate roughly $625,000 in projected additional annual revenue that will help offset near‑term capital costs, including a parking‑management system expected to cost about $1.3 million.

"The purpose for needing to increase the rates…is because this past weekend we ran out of parking in our long‑term facility," Callum said, noting JetBlue is launching new flights to Boston and New York this week and the county is planning for higher demand. Council members asked whether a local resident discount would be permissible; Callum said federal grant assurances prohibit different rates by residence.

Outcome: Council approved the rate change as part of the consent agenda. Staff said proceeds will be used to offset technology costs, help fund future parking‑facility construction and explore partnerships to fund a parking garage.

Why this matters: Short‑term parking shortages are already occurring with airline service expansion; the change is designed to generate revenue to support equipment and planning for longer‑term solutions, including a future parking garage that staff hope to fund through a mix of grants and partner contributions.

What’s next: Airport staff will bring forward details of a parking operator procurement and continue outreach to state and private partners about financing a future garage.