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Hernando Today

Pine Island Parking Fee Irks Taxpayers

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By HERNANDO TODAY STAFF

Published: February 20, 2009

Want to infuriate a Hernando County taxpayer? Charge twice for access to public recreational facilities.

It's a common practice here.

A lot of county taxpayers continue to vent their irritation about the seasonally imposed $2 parking fee at Pine Island. Their logic goes something like this: "If I paid taxes to build Pine Island and even more every year to maintain the park, why should I have to pay an additional $2 each time I use it?"

Good question.

The answer: Government gets you coming and going.

Don't use it, you pay. Use it, you pay more.

Of course, seasonal visitors only get charged once.

Doesn't seem fair, does it? Especially when so many Hernando Countians are out of work or making less money in this down economy and trying to make ends meet.

While annual parking passes are available for $40, you'd have to visit Pine Island more than 20 times a year to make it worth the cost.

Some folks benefit from that program, but not many. So far, 11 have been sold this year, 60 in 2008.

Also, the $2 fee doesn't seem to deter residents and visitors alike from going to "the beach" on beautify days when the weather allows for swimsuits and suntan lotion. Often you can't find a parking spot at any price.

That's why we think Hernando County taxpayers should be given a free pass to Pine Island — if you can find a place to park, that is. If you own property in Hernando County, the county could issue a parking pass when property taxes are paid.

Up the charge for out-of-towners to $4, $6. After all, they're on vacation and expect to spend more cash than the local family of four trying to enjoy why they live here in first place.

There may be other ways for the county to generate additional revenue off visitors to Pine Island. County officials need put their heads together and get creative — but not at the taxpayers' expense. How many extra taxes can we take?

It's called the double-whammy, and that's why so many Hernando Countians' blood starts to boil when the $2 fee is instituted each season.

It's existed for about 15 years, pulling in about $100,000 of revenue to county coffers annually. It would be interesting to know how much of that money was generated by out-of-town visitors.

Even if county officials won't consider dropping the $2 parking fee for local taxpayers, here's a thought: In these tough economic times, drop the $2 fee for Hernando Countians on certain days.

We could all go to the beach and forget about life for awhile.

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