ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The city of St. Augustine is no longer issuing 'ParkNow' cards for residents who want to pay for public parking, yet receive discounts, as some in the community give pushback on the move under the city's Facebook post.
According to the post, next year, the city will begin using license plate readers at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility instead of the cards to apply discounts to residents. Until then, residents should use the funds on their 'ParkNow' card(s) to pay at meters/kiosks "until balances are depleted," the post states.
"Beginning in 2024, when parking at parking garages, the electronic license plate reader will recognize the registered plate number and automatically apply the St. Johns County Resident discount rate upon entry into the garage."
The city says the "ParkStAug" mobile app will be used to give residents the option of being able to add money to their meter without having to go back to the pay station, but is not required to receive the resident discount.
"When parking in a surface lot or parking space, residents will enter the registered license plate number at the parking kiosk to receive the resident discount," the post states.
A spokesperson for the city's parking division told First Coast News that ParkNow cards will not be recharged after Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. The spokesperson also said the ParkNow cards will no longer be used because the company that makes them, is no longer making them.
The "ParkStAug" app is available on the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play store for Android devices.
Click here to register for the 'St. Johns County Resident discount.' Click here to find available public parking in St. Augustine.
Community's questions
**Editor's note: The below questions and answers are between the city of St. Augustine and people who commented under the city's Facebook post.**
Jazs Web: Can we register all of our vehicles?
City: Thank you for your question! Yes, you are able to register multiple vehicles. You must complete an application for each.
Sea Lew: I do not see a way to transfer current funds from the card to a virtual wallet in the app. Please advise.
City: Thank you for your question! Residents can transfer existing funds from the ParkNow Card to a virtual wallet on the ParkStAug mobile app. The card must be surrendered to the Parking Division, so this must be done in person at 50 Bridge Street.
Dot Maronel-Speciale: Another reason to never go downtown. I don’t have that kind of phone. I have a little trac phone.
City: Thank you for your inquiry! The app is not required to receive the resident discount. The app gives you the option of being able to add money to your meter without having to go back to the pay station. If you do not have access to a smart phone or a home computer you can visit 50 Bridge Street with your driver's license and vehicle registration to complete the application and we will enter it for you. After this when you enter your license plate at the City-metered pay stations or you enter the parking garage your license plate will receive the discount.
Joseph Weisenauer: So I don't use APPS, I guess I won't be going downtown as soon as the card runs out of cash. Brilliant idea. Take my money someplace else.
City: We appreciate your concern and thank you for your inquiry! However, the app is not required to receive the resident discount. The app gives you the option of being able to add money to your meter without having to go back to the pay station. If you do not have access to a smart phone or a home computer you can visit 50 Bridge Street with your driver's license and vehicle registration to complete the application and we will enter it for you. After this when you enter your license plate at the City-metered pay stations or you enter the parking garage your license plate will receive the discount.
Joseph Weisenauer: Let's say I register in person. Starting in Jan 2024 I park downtown, I enter the plate. How do I pay? Does the city send me a bill via US Post or E mail?
City: Thank you for your question! When you register and get approved, it will give you the discount wherever you pay. If you enter the garage you will pay $3.00 before you park, if you pay at the pay stations you will pay by cash, coin, Visa, Mastercard or Discover, and mobile app you will save a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
Antoinette Baker: Can Handicap still park anywhere with out restrictions?
City: Thanks for your question! Yes, those with disabled placards can still park in metered areas and the parking garage with no charge.
Mike Blalock: When parking on a surface spot, can you still just pay with the app, or do we have to use the kiosk with license plate now?
City: Thank you for your question! If you are registered for the discount it works for the mobile app, pay stations and the parking garage.
Roberto Ramirez: Are we able to keep using the app at parking lots/streets and get the discounted rate?
City: Thank you for your question! If you are registered for the discount it works for the mobile app, pay stations and the parking garage.
Chris Crews: How are we registering our plates? I see that I can add my plate into the app, but how does it know I'm a county resident for the discount?
City: Thank you for your question! You can register for the resident discount by following this link: https://parkstaugpermits.rmcpay.com/#account_start. Applications are typically processed within 3-5 business days. Once your application has been approved, your resident discount will apply automatically at the pay stations and in the mobile app when you enter your license plate.
Samantha Ray: Is there discounted parking for downtown employees?
City: Thank you for your question! This discount applies to St. Johns County residents. If you are not a St. Johns County resident, then another option is the monthly parking garage pass. Passes are $32 monthly (before tax) and paid on a monthly basis. For more information, you can head to this page and read more under the "Monthly Parking Pass" section: https://www.citystaug.com/.../Historic-Downtown-Parking...
Christine Hulse: I don't see where to register my handicapped permit number?
City: Thank you for you inquiry! Per Florida State Statutes, those with a disabled placard or license plate are able to park free of charge at meters on public roadways. The City extends that to City lots and the Parking Garage. When entering the Parking Garage just please make sure the placard/plate holder is on display in your the vehicle.
Sandy Merry: What is the SJC discount? At a metered spot and at the garage?
City: Thank you for your question! The discounted rates remain the same of $0.50 an hour for the City-metered areas and $3.00 per entry into the garage. You must register for the discount and you can register at www.ParkStAug.com.