Fort Myers council approves two‑hour free parking trial in city garages through Oct. 31

The Fort Myers City Council on Tuesday approved a temporary change to downtown garage rates, making the first two hours free in the city's three parking garages beginning June 25 and scheduled to sunset Oct. 31.

City staff presented the change as a short‑term relief measure requested by downtown restaurant owners to encourage midday visits. "Looking at the number of vehicles that are in for two hours currently ... it looks like about $5,500 a month if we were to do this," said Director Taney, the city staffer who presented the revenue snapshot and recommended keeping the existing $5 nightly rate in place.

Supporters said the waiver could make it easier for residents to dine and shop downtown during the slow summer months. "We're talking about June and July and August," a councilmember said, urging the council to prioritize making downtown more affordable for patrons during peak heat. Several councilmembers also urged staff to coordinate any future changes with on‑street meters and public lots to avoid confusing visitors.

Opponents pressed for operational details, including how the change would affect enforcement and whether pay kiosks and payment systems were reliable. "The fee is never the complaint—the fee is trying to pay and the inconvenience of not having working or having it located next to where they're parked," a councilmember said, citing repeated problems with the meters and kiosks.

Councilmember Baucher moved to adopt the garage rate change and to set an October 31 sunset date; the motion was seconded and carried with no recorded opposition. Staff said the change would be implemented within about 24 hours after system updates and signage changes.

The council directed staff to return to council if further changes to on‑street or lot rates are proposed and to monitor revenue impacts and usage patterns during the trial period.