Ocean Drive parking, or lack thereof, is causing problems for locals and visitors alike

VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Finding parking along Ocean Drive in Vero Beach, especially in-season, is a challenge.

Spaces fill up fast, and even if you’re lucky enough to find one, you can’t stay long.

“We like this area but you’re always limited, so where we could be shopping and spending money, we’re going back to the car,” added Susan Garon, who is visiting Vero Beach.

This time of year, every parking spot on Ocean Drive is full almost all the time, and that is the only street in Vero Beach where parking is maxed at two hours.

Drivers who live, work and visit the area are calling for change.

“In a community like this, it would be great to have a little more time to engage in the restaurants and the shopping, and to be pulled back to move your car after two hours is kind of tough, so three would be better,” said Vero Beach resident Eric Campion.

The General Manager of Waldo’s Restaurant on Ocean Drive, Lee Olsen, says he told the city council that this time limit — and lack of parking — is hurting his business, and all the others around it.

“When a guest comes, and we’re on a 45 minute wait, we see them look at their watch and go ‘oh, I’m parked in a two hour zone, we’re going to have to go,” Olsen explained.

If you think parking enforcement might be relaxed in this beachfront town, think again.

Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno tells CBS12 News the city would consider extending parking times, but it turns out not all these local shops are on the same page.

“Primarily for the restaurants where people have to wait in line, especially in season, the clock is ticking, but then you hear from the merchants saying ‘well, three hours is too long, I’ve got people wanting to come into my shop, they’re having a hard time finding parking spaces, where do they park?" he remarked.

So if time isn’t the answer, what about space?

Zoning would allow a four story parking garage, but where are you going to put it?

“There is nowhere to go out, the only solution would be to go up, but where?” Olsen asked rhetorically.

“We’re allowed to go to four stories, so I think parking garages, smaller parking garages, could be done strategically," Campion offered. "It doesn’t take away from the aesthetic, so I’m all for that if it can be pulled off.”

For now, Cotugno says, full parking spots are a lot better for business than empty ones. He isn't sure a garage would be the answer.

“Even if you go to the max of four stories, how many net spaces are you really going to get?” the mayor questioned.

The mayor says the city is having police officers get public input about what the best solution might be.

Once they get an idea of what the people want, they’ll make some decisions about how to get there.