VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Visiting Volusia County’s beaches now comes with a cost for nonresidents and while that change has brought great benefits to locals, it’s hurting one industry: commercial fishing.
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Dustin Smith from NSB Shark Hunters explains commercial fishers go out when it’s dark so they don’t disrupt other people. But ever since the county launched ParkVolusia on Jan. 1, companies like his have nowhere to park between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
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“They are enforcing the parking lots shutting down at 11 p.m., which actually forces any surf fishing guide or commercial fishermen to have to fish with the beachgoers or the swimmers,” said Smith.
Under the new rules, Volusia residents can continue to park for free but must register with the county.
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Visitors, however, now have to pay $20 a day, which Tyler Witkowski from NSB Shark Hunters, said has also been a common complaint from clients.
“Well, I am already paying you, why should I have to pay to park and It becomes more of a hassle and then you lose bookings that way,” said Witkowski.
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The group hopes the county can create a permit for licensed commercial fishing companies to park in the lots after hours.
The county has agreed to revisit the parking plan. At next week’s meeting, council members will discuss possible rule changes for commercial fishermen.
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