Petition for Free Parking for Downtown Fort Myers Employees

To:

City Council of Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers Development Board

Other relevant authorities

 

Subject: Request for Free Parking for Employees in Downtown Fort Myers

 

To whom it may concern,

We, the undersigned, are employees working in downtown Fort Myers, and we are requesting your immediate attention to the parking challenges we face, especially during events.

As employees working late hours—some of us until 3, sometimes 4 a.m.—we are essential to downtown’s success. Our presence supports businesses, drives customer traffic, and creates a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors and fosters the local economy. Without the dedication of downtown employees, the area would not thrive in the same way. However, parking fees can cost $20 or more per night, creating a significant financial inconvenience. During events, finding a spot often forces us to leave 30 minutes to an hour earlier than normal. Even with extra time, we frequently struggle to find a space, which sometimes leaves us walking long distances through poorly lit, unsafe areas after working late into the night—creating not only logistical and financial burdens but also serious safety concerns.

While we recognize that there is free parking after 5 p.m. in certain areas, there are simply not enough spaces to realistically accommodate both downtown employees and visitors who come to drink, eat, or enjoy the downtown area. This competition for limited parking creates further strain, making it difficult for employees to access the spaces needed to continue supporting the businesses and activities that make downtown Fort Myers successful.

To address these challenges, we propose the following solutions:

1.  Free or subsidized parking for all downtown employees, especially during events and late hours.
2.  A swipe card system for parking garages that allows employees to park for free.
3.  Designated parking areas closer to businesses or a shuttle service to assist with employee parking.
4.  A yearly renewable sticker to be placed on windshields, similar to toll systems, to ensure employees are not ticketed by parking enforcement while utilizing free parking.
5.  Enhanced security in parking areas for employee safety, particularly at night.

 

These measures are necessary to ensure employee safety, improve morale, and support the continued success of downtown Fort Myers.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your support.

Sincerely,

Ava Brao

Your local downtown bartender