[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Minor correction - the free option isn't paid for by selling seats. It's paid for by the county, eg. your tax dollars if you live in that county. It's part of their tourism budget.

My opinion on the subject:

As long as it's a very small square-footage they reserve for the pay option, and that area is not blocking the view of everyone else, I don't think it's a big deal. The square is still accessible to the public at no charge. The people paying are getting something no one ever gets anyway. It's one of those "value added" pay-for-perks, like paying a trail fee for the "free" executive golf courses we get as residents. They're free - but using the golf carts on the paths cost extra.

Correction - it's partially paid for by the county.