WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
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.
