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It's Official: Parking Meters' Time In Ybor Has Expired

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

Darren Shaw, left, and Chris Thatcher install a new sign about parking in Ybor City. All street parking meters have been removed and the signs reflect new rules.

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 23, 2008

TAMPA - The last of Ybor City's 202 parking meters was yanked today, and city crews were busy putting up signs that announced a new day in Ybor parking policies.

The poles were capped, and signs announcing two-hour parking limits were posted.

"I'm ecstatic," said Steve Yturriaga, a real estate agent who runs an Ybor City merchants parking committee. "I'm happy to see the meters go. I would like to thank the mayor for making this kind gesture to the merchants of Ybor City."

Public works crews started removing the meters early this morning. Officials thought it would take up to three days, but the meters were gone by midafternoon.

Tampa has worked with the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, the Ybor City Development Corp., residents and members of the business community to come up with ways to encourage people to visit the entertainment district. The goal has been to make the attractions, shops and restaurants more accessible, according to a written statement from the city.

The new parking plan will make it easier on people who are making short visits to the district. People planning to stay longer than two hours are encouraged to use one of the city's three parking lots or two parking garages, the city says.

Parking rates for the lots and garages will not change.

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