Technicians were spread throughout Ocala Wednesday, working to install more than 250 new solar-powered parking meters.
Ocala is first Florida city to have these particular meters, which will accept a variety of payment forms.
"I'm actually a banker downtown on the boulevard, and I never seem to have any change on me," Ocala resident Kristen Nast said. "So having the capacity to take cards is really a fantastic upgrade for downtown."
Ocala Projects Manager Charles Rich said the meters also have a pay-by-phone system, which sends reminders to smart phones allowing users to pay online and avoid parking tickets. Apple Pay will also be available soon, he said.