Ft. Desoto parking fees...

[Norm]

Just heard they had been boosted to 5 dollars....is this what we have to pay just to get into the park?

[Todd]

Yes. They collect either at the toll booth or just after, not sure exactly.

[Mark R]

I think the are putting a "new" tollbooth just past the campground entrance.

[Norm]

I wonder if that means we could still launch on the beach now for free?

[americanrobster]

I think the are putting a "new" tollbooth just past the campground entrance.

Correct! I got to enjoy the park yesterday for the last time before the $5 fee will be charged.

[Sully]

My understanding is you areonly charged to if you use the beach, campground or boat ramp. All other uses, pedestrians and the like aren't charged.

[Norm]

My understanding is you areonly charged to if you use the beach, campground or boat ramp. All other uses, pedestrians and the like aren't charged.

How would they police that....seems you would have to stay in your car... What about the fishing piers? Sharon and I have gone over to just walk out on the piers...but that seems excessive for just that

[Yakmatt]

I camped there the week of Christmas and talked to one of the rangers about the fee. It still wasn't totally figured out. If you camp the fee is waved but you have to use your camp window ticket to drive to the piers or beach. The booth is set up at the new bridge near the T. They might stop charging after 430 or 500 (ranger was fuzzy about this) so you could use the pier for free from 5-11. I think there would be no charge to put in across from the campground or even, up before the bridge (watch the tide if you do). It looks like the east end is gonna cost you or you can get some exercise and paddle around BF key.

[americanrobster]

This is a picture that I took with my cell phone of the new "toll booth" that charges the $5 fee. The toll booth is located past the entrance of the campground.

I'd sure hate to be the guy cooped up in that thing.

[TerryW]

Visitors swallow first day of $5 fee at Fort De Soto in Pinellas

As a non-Pinellas resident, I don't mind paying a user fee for Fort D. But it looks like I won't have to since I park before the new toll booth. Go figure.

[SnookBait]

If you park and launch before the toll booth you do not have to pay. I believe if you go even to walk the piers and you park in the parkinglots you will have to pay unless you are camping and you display your camp ticket. On the news I heard they are doing this to comp for alot of the budget cuts. Pretty soon they will be installing redlights with cameras lol.

[TerryW]

If you park and launch before the toll booth you do not have to pay. I believe if you go even to walk the piers and you park in the parkinglots you will have to pay unless you are camping and you display your camp ticket. On the news I heard they are doing this to comp for alot of the budget cuts. Pretty soon they will be installing redlights with cameras lol.

According to americanrobster above, the $5 parking toll booth is by the campground, so it seems that one can still park & launch the kayak just past the 35 cent booth for free... for now.

As a side note, we are either going to pay more in taxes to fund public services or we are going to pay user fees. I'm not sure how fair it is for people of limited means, but it is what it is... for now.

[Rik]

Is the new toll booth up and operational?

What is being done at the old toll booth?

[John]

I support the user fee, it's a fair system you use it, you pay for the privilege.
Why should the Pinellas residents pay to support something that is being used by people who are from outside the county.

$5 per car load is still inexpensive.

[Todd]

Is the new toll booth up and operational?

What is being done at the old toll booth?

Yes, see above.

Still collecting the .35 toll.

I don't mind the $5 toll, for what we have at Ft Desoto that is relatively inexpensive. As far as the fishing inside the park goes it will only get better as a lot will, more than likely, not pay the $5. Sometimes a negative can be a positive.

[Rik]

Yes, see above.

Still collecting the .35 toll.

I don't mind the $5 toll, for what we have at Ft Desoto that is relatively inexpensive. As far as the fishing inside the park goes it will only get better as a lot will, more than likely, not pay the $5. Sometimes a negative can be a positive.

Collecting .35 at the first one and $5.00 at the second one? Does it really cost $5.35 to go out to East Beach?