NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Following months of debate over New Smyrna Beach’s parking woes, city staff presented a detailed action plan during a recent meeting to tackle the challenges laid out by engineering firm LTG.
The study, which highlighted a deficit of nearly 1,000 parking spaces across the city’s busy downtown areas, has spurred city leaders into action, particularly as the holiday season and special events approach.
New plans to ease parking stress
Flagler Avenue, the epicenter of much of the parking crunch, is the focus of a potential new parking structure.
City staff recommend a feasibility study to determine how many spaces are needed, where the structure could be built, and what financial and operational framework would support it. This step aims to address a deficit of 556 spaces in the Flagler Avenue area alone.
But the parking structure is just one piece of the puzzle. New Smyrna Beach officials are exploring several additional measures, including:
- Right-pricing parking meters to balance demand.
- Shared parking agreements with private lots to expand availability.
- Remote parking strategies for major events, coupled with shuttle services to reduce congestion.
- Dynamic message boards and updated signage to improve communication about parking availability.
- A new parking webpage, providing real-time updates and resources for visitors and residents.
A focus on multimodal mobility
The city is also prioritizing broader transportation solutions. Officials are developing a “Multimodal Transportation Master Plan,” emphasizing alternatives like walking, biking, and public transit to reduce the reliance on cars.
Creating a new “Mobility Department” is central to this effort. The city plans to hire a mobility director who will oversee transportation initiatives, including the development of the parking structure, enhanced beach parking systems, and solutions tailored for peak times and special events.
Beach traffic and special events add complexity
Flagler Avenue’s proximity to the beach adds to the challenge, with visitors competing for parking during busy weekends. Collaboration with Volusia County on beach parking improvements, such as advanced payment technology and reservation systems, is underway.
Additionally, city staff are refining parking strategies for special events, which frequently draw large crowds. These plans include offering free reservations for residents, remote parking options, and coordination with transportation providers like shuttles or rideshare services.
Looking ahead
The next steps for New Smyrna Beach include detailed feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and refining job descriptions for new roles in the Mobility Department. City leaders aim to finalize plans for the parking structure and other initiatives in the coming months, with implementation expected to follow shortly after.
“I’m aware that there are different parking issues for different parts of the city,” said Vice Mayor Lisa Martin during Monday’s workshop. “Trying to apply one solution that fits all is difficult.”
Community input is key to success
Residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions to ensure solutions reflect their needs. While some have expressed frustrations over the lack of spaces, others hope the measures will maintain affordability, particularly for workers on Flagler Avenue.
“Now is the time for action,” New Smyrna Beach resident Jay Pendergast said at the workshop. “We’ve done everything, we have the reports, we’ve gone through all the procedures. We really need to do something.”
The city remains committed to balancing accessibility, affordability, and the area’s unique character as it tackles its parking and transportation challenges head-on.
Watch video replay of the two-hour workshop here and get a copy of the presentation to follow along here.
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