TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) – Parking rates are increasing on Tybee Island come March 1, the city announced online Friday.

Hourly parking will go up from $3.50 to $4 per hour; annual parking passes will increase from $200 to $250; and transferrable parking passes will move from $300 to $350.

The cost for the discount code that local businesses purchase for employee parking will not change. Senior discounted annual passes will also remain at $175 (for those 62 or older).

In a statement to WSAV News 3, City Manager Shawn Gillen said the city’s costs are outpacing revenues.

“The new parking rates will help offset these costs and maintain Tybee Island to the high level our residents and visitors expect,” he said.

According to data collected from the city, Tybee saw a record number of 3.2 million visitors in 2021 and an exponential increase since 2017.

Some visitors understand, but not all are welcoming the changes with open arms.

“It’s a doggone shame because everything is going up,” said retiree Rositta Fletcher, who visits Tybee several times a month. “For a senior citizen on fixed income, it’s difficult, but I understand why revenue needs to be raised.”

Others don’t mind the increase, like Pooler resident Jim Martin.

“We love coming to the beach here, so if it costs us another 50 cents, it’s not going to deter us from coming to the beach,” Martin said.

“People still feel the need to get away,” said Rositta Fletcher, a Savannah resident. “I have in my 15 years never seen an empty parking lot.”

Still, she thinks $4 an hour is unreasonable.

“That’s a lot for an hour,” Rositta said, “especially if you’re a family.”

For more information on parking services, visit Tybee’s website linked here.