Riviera Beach's paid parking program at Ocean Walk and Singer Island is temporarily paused after City Council Member Dr. Glen Spiritis was ticketed without parking. Mayor Douglas Lawson explained that Spiritis was charged for driving into the parking lot and immediately leaving. The pause was announced during last Wednesday's city council meeting after the city received an influx of concerns since the program launched in October of last year. Lawson noted that paid parking represents a significant change for the community and that officials are "learning through the bumps and bruises trying to make sure that we get it right."
The program requires visitors to scan a QR code to pay for parking and has drawn complaints from business owners, customers and residents since its launch. The pause provides relief for Kerry Lutz, who filed a lawsuit challenging the program, claiming it violates federal standards. Mayor Lawson said the city will address concerns regarding handicap parking and timing, and will issue refunds to anyone wrongfully charged. Parking officials will prepare a full report on the program's fees and system. Lawson emphasized the pause is not permanent, stating the city will continue the system "to make sure that it's done in the most effective, efficient way" while generating additional revenue for the city.