FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — If you’ve been to Flagler Beach, you know that finding a spot to park can be tricky.

That’s why on Thursday, the city will hold a workshop to discuss a proposed two-hour parking limit.

Right now, the current parking policy allows people to park their car for two days.

For business owners in the area, they’re looking forward to this discussion.  

Jacqueline Buckingham, owner of Flagler Tea Company Gluten Free Bakery, knows her customers struggle with parking and she wishes there was more she could do to help them.

“I’m hoping to be able to get the ones that are just coming here for the shops or to grab something to eat at the downtown businesses to be able to make it a little bit easier for them to be able to find parking instead of competing with the all day beachgoers or even the employees that work downtown. We’re all having problems trying to find parking,” Buckingham said. 

Jacqueline Buckingham, owner of Flagler Tea Company, prepares baked goods. She woudl like to see something done to the parking situation in Flagler Beach. (Spectrum News 13/Devin Martin)

Buckingham always keeps her customers top of mind. She wants to see as many people as she can every day.

“If they want the downtown businesses and the small mom-and-pop shops to survive, I think it’s going to be vital to their survival is to have that nice turnover and not have the parking clogged up,” Buckingham said. 

Dale Martin, city manager for Flagler Beach, says the construction of the Compass by Margaritaville hotel has contributed to some parking challenges.

Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin says the construction of the Compass by Margaritaville hotel has contributed to some parking challenges. (Spectrum News 13/Arnie Girard)

In addition to that, he’s heard from business owners who have expressed their concerns for drivers who park for extended periods of time, in turn, limiting parking availability.

Even though the workshop is just a discussion, Martin says he believes the city commission is dedicated to exploring a long-term parking solution.

It’s something Buckingham is looking forward to. As a baker she knows what it’s like to take one thing at a time.

She believes with time and patience, the right situation will present itself.

“Flagler Beach was built on mom and pops, and to keep that small town charm, I think it would be great to keep us all in business still,” Buckingham said. 

City leaders will also explore the option of implementing paid parking at Thursday's workshop.