The Las Olas Boulevard Association’s efforts to keep its major retail strip in constant attention often includes details like making sure broken streetlights are replaced efficiently and keeping the paint on lampposts fresh. Now add on-street parking during the day to that list.

Traditionally Fort Lauderdale has permitted parking only after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, which didn’t always please local businesses, according to Laura Mogilewski, the association’s executive director.

In response to the group's requests for extended parking hours, the city granted the additional hours after the association presented their case to the City Commission, allowing parking on the boulevard from Southeast Fourth Avenue to Southeast 12th Avenue, leaving the fee at $1.50 per hour.

“This makes it more convenient for people, enabling them to park in front of the places they want to visit,” said Mark Whitney, manager of Mangos Restaurant, 904 E. Las Olas Boulevard. “And having so many more cars on the street makes it look lively.”

Stephan Rioux, owner of Las Olas Fine Arts, 701 E. Las Olas Boulevard, said the new parking hours are wonderful.

“This is a great way to have easy access to the stores,” he said. “It slows down traffic and allows a rhythm on the street that is more connected with what life here should be.”