Visit our beaches and stores, but don’t stay too long.
That’s the message Treasure Coast governments are working to convey as they try to decongest crowded downtown streets and oceanfront parking lots.
For the last decade, local downtowns have been thriving and packed spaces aren’t a bad problem to have, according to Jim O’Connor, Vero Beach city manager.
“Parking issues are a sign of economic success,” O’Connor said.
But as the visitors flock downtown, a lack of parking could, in time, impede further growth.
“The magic number is four. Usually people will circle the block about four times before they give up,” Florida-based parking consultant Christian Luz said. Two or three frustrating trips often are enough to keep visitors from coming back.