JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville International Airport undergoes garage construction, a new parking policy has raised concerns amongst disabled veterans.
Previously, veterans could show their DV tag at the pay booth and exit without charge. Now, they must follow a new procedure to receive free parking.
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City Councilman Nick Howland explained the policy’s impact: “There are two types of disabled veteran license plates in Florida. Those without the wheelchair symbol must park in Remote Parking, while those with the wheelchair can use the garages and surface lot.”
Howland criticized the policy, stating, “The airport is in no position to determine which veterans are more or less able to walk or take the shuttle from Remote Parking. That’s the VA’s job.”
In September, veteran Andrea Waugh was charged $120 for parking after returning from a trip.
“Any other time you pull right up to the ticket place, you press the button, they come out, look at your DV tag, and take your name,” Waugh described.
She continued, “The young lady said, ‘That’ll be $120′ and I said, ‘Oh, no, no, I’m sorry. I’m a disabled veteran.' She said, ‘No, you’re not allowed to park there anymore.‘”
When Waugh asked for an invoice, a police officer was called. Although she eventually received a refund, she remains concerned for other veterans.
“How many veterans just pay and don’t know who to contact, or just are frustrated, and now there’s just a bad taste in their mouth about the airport,” Waugh explained. “We’re not just talking about Jacksonville veterans. We’re talking about veterans who live all over Florida and Georgia and come here to utilize this airport.”
Howland has taken action by writing a formal letter to Mark VanLoh, CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, asking for an explanation and reversal of the policy change. He set a deadline of Dec. 27 for a response.
A JAA spokesperson responded to News4JAX’s inquiries on the matter, and said, “All veterans have access to free parking.”