Photo: DAVID MCNEW / AFP / Getty Images
Most free parking is expected to be eliminated from the beach area in Fort Pierce by the end of the year.
City officials are implementing a pay-to-park program and plan to take down the "free parking" signs.
The city is finalizing a contract with a vendor to handle paid parking at Jetty, South Causeway and Jaycee Parks.
Residents are not happy but city leaders say they spend about $300,000 a year on maintenance at the three parks and the funds generated from beach parking will go toward keeping up the beach and facilities and public safety costs.