Pensacola Toll Price Hike

By Diana Lucio Reporter

Fun in the sun could cost you an extra one at Pensacola Beach..a price increase may take its toll on beach visitors. Pensacola Toll Price Hike

Published: Wed, June 11, 2008 - 9:06 pm

Diana Lucio

This time of year Pensacola Beach doesn't have trouble attracting a crowd and Carmen Fisher says it's the perfect place for a jog.
"I'm in a running club down here and we come down here and run and we sponsor runs to raise money for charities and everything down here at the beach,"Said Fisher. The Santa Rosa Island Authority prides itself on maintaining the beach's safe and clean environment. Officials say thanks in part to the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge, they've managed to do so. "Our budgets around 6 to 7 million dollars just to operate this beach, so it takes a lot. For every dollar we raise on the toll it brings in another 2 and a half to 3 million dollars per year,"Said John Peacock with the Santa Rosa Island Authority.
It could end up costing you a buck extra, next time you drive across Bob Sikes bridge if a new proposal has its way. But not everyone likes the sound of that.
"I'm paying about eight dollars a day in gas to get here and back and then another dollar for the bridge toll so, another dollar would make it an even ten.. it's expensive as it is already,"Said Jason Conrad who works on the beach. But officials say it's what it will take to keep the boardwalks busy along the beach.
"It would be nice if we could increase the number of shops, restaurants, etcetera to make it more of a destination place, in order to do that you need more infrastructure, parking garage, boardwalks, shops, restaurants, etcetera..you need money to do that,"Said Peacock.
The Santa Rosa Island Authority says the toll price hike would help build a public parking garage and other projects in the area.
Officials say the fee increase would not affect those who purchase the annual unlimited access pass.