The DIB has been working closely with its new parking vendor, Passport, to roll-out a new and improved digital parking platform. The Passport app, used in cities across the U.S. and around the world, will be available for download in the new year. Until then, the Premium Parking app, any pay machine or parking meter may be used to pay to park at DIB-managed lots, on-street parking and the Jefferson Street Garage.

 

There is free parking throughout downtown Pensacola, and the DIB is on a quest to raise awareness. Free 2-hour parking is now available on Tarragona Street between Garden and Government Streets. There is also parking available inside the Harbourview Parking Garage off Main Street near Palafox after 5pm and on weekends, as well as free on-street parking on both sides of Palafox Street. 

 

In September the DIB launched an online ticket appeal system to simplify the process of appealing a parking ticket, www.parkingticketpayment.com/pensacola. (Appealing a ticket by mail is still an option-- complete the information on the back side of the ticket, then mail it to: DPMD, PO Box 12332, Pensacola, FL 32591). Ticket holders have 15 days to submit an online appeal—or postmark a mailed appeal—before it is automatically denied, and once an appeal is denied, an administrative fee of $15 must be paid in addition to the original ticket amount.

 

From Dec. 17-25, parking will be free in metered parking spaces on downtown Pensacola streets. During Parking Amnesty Week downtown visitors can shop, dine, play and enjoy Palafox Market, Winterfest activities and the half a million holiday lights, without worrying about parking fees. With no tickets to write, DIB Parking Ambassadors will transform into ‘holiday elves,’ available to help shoppers carry large purchases to their cars or offer other assistance. To reach them, call the “Elf Line” at (850) 434-5371. 

A number of other changes are in the works, each designed to create a better parking experience in DIB-managed parking lots, spaces and the Jefferson St. Garage. Many planned improvements originated from suggestions from downtown merchants, DIB parking ambassadors and the community. In October, renowned parking expert, Donald Shoup, met with the DIB to share insights on how parking can be improved. “We are listening to the suggestions of those in our community as well as experts in the industry, so that we can tackle parking in a strategic and holistic way,” said DIB executive director Lissa Dees. “We're making headway, and look forward to implementing even more great processes over the coming months.”