Ft. Desoto considering an admission fee...

[Big G]

I heard on the news today that Pinellas county is looking to recover some of the lost funding reduced by the State of Florida. One consideration to supplement these lost revanues is to charge a $3.00 admission to enter the park. Also, the board of commissioners is also talking about a toll rate increase from $.035 (the current rate) to $1.00. This could certainly change the number of riders on a regular bases at the beautiful Ft. Desoto spot.

Any information regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated. Please keep your ears open and post what you may know.

Big G

[JoshTaylor]

they should give kiters a break, we attract alot of people i'm sure.

plus we go there so much.

[toby wilson]

I'm all for it. Good for them, I don't mind paying $3.65 extra per day just to get out to an epic spot for a FULL DAY of riding/entertainment!

C'mon, take a look at what it costs for a typical day at a slider park or a rented boat/gas for wakeboarding. Even once you have paid your admission pass (maybe cheaper or free because you are a FL resident) you still would pay more than that for a freaking ice cream or a cup of soda (not to mention the cost of gas just to get there)...we should feel lucky that we got it for free for this long and gladly pay to keep our spot clean and staffed with Rangers...

I gotta agree. No biggie. If it means not having the ice cream stands, restaurants, a non-public marina, etc (anyone remember that fiasco), I am all four (bucks) it.
Not a big price to pay, imo, to keep it a park and keep it natural.
I am just glad we have one spot in this whole area that doesn't have a friggin' condo on it.
Maybe they will do a 15 dollar year pass? They did that at St. Augustine for the beach passes for Fl residents.

[CrazyJay]

It's always been a bargain at $.35 for some of the most epic riding in the country. I can't believe it has stay that cheap for so long.
Maybe they will offer a yearly pass for residents.
but... it's still free if u cruise across from the backside ;0)~

[bryanleighty]

per the report i read, the tolls might increase and the parking lot will no longer be free. As we dont use the parking lots its possible we wont see much of a hike besides a 50 to 65 cent toll increase.. ( I would guess that the main entrance toll would go from its current 35cents to $1.

i support the increase 10000% ..

[Danimal8199]

Originally Posted by bryanleighty

i support the increase 10000% ..

Does this mean Bryan is willing to pay $400.00 to ride?

I'm down with the 4 bucks, especially if at $4 keeps away some of the other riders!!!

I already pay 3 dollars to ride at Honeymoonm or $5 for a car full of people and Iam fine with that.

[bryanleighty]

good use of the smiley face.

$4 aint going to keep anyone from kiteboarding.
nope.nada.nay.

[WindRyder]

Is Ft. Desoto a Florida State Park? Up here in P.C., one of our favorite kiting spots is St. Andrews State Park, and every year, I buy an annual pass for about $46. Typically, the cost to get in the park is $3 for one person, and a max of $5 for a carload. The pass is good for entry to any Florida State park. If anyone rides with me, it costs $1/person. You can buy a "family" pass for $75-$80 which will take care of every person in your car. I always buy the single and it pays for itself within two weeks when the windy season starts!! What is also nice, since the parks don't open until 8AM, you have access to the numeric codes to get in before they open. Maybe Ft. Desoto will do the same kind of thing. You all buy a pass, and then can come and visit Roy and I here and ride with us in the Fall!!!!!

It's a county park. It'd be cool if they did a pass (I have a Sun pass now).
I don't mind paying, I just usually forget to have money on me, so a pass would be good.