The Tampa Port Authority is starting 2014 off with a perk for patrons of Tampa’s Channel District, when visiting restaurants and other businesses at Channelside Bay Plaza.

The port authority is pleased to continue to provide free parking at the surface parking lot, to the west of the complex on Garrison Street, through the March 30, 2014.

The free parking will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the exception of evenings designated as event nights. Overnight parking will continue to be prohibited. Citizens and visitors are encouraged to visit Channelside and enjoy its retail shops and restaurants. 

Offering free parking has spurred beneficial impacts to the community and businesses within the area, and port authority management is pleased to participate in this regard.

“We have heard from the tenants and customers at Channelside and, due to popular demand, we are excited to continue to offer free parking to the community and to see the positive effects this will have on the businesses at Channelside. This is our way to thank customers for supporting the fine establishments at Channelside, and we look forward to welcoming them back throughout the new year,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.