SARASOTA, Fla. – Sarasota County leaders are contemplating new restrictions that might change how boaters use the waters off Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Seaside, following ongoing security and environmental considerations.
At a fee assembly this week, workers offered two variations of a proposed boating ordinance that will amend Chapter 130 of the county code:
- Choice A would create a motorboat exclusion zone extending 300 toes from the shoreline, banning motorized boats completely apart from regulation enforcement, emergency, or authorities vessels conducting official work.
- Choice B can be much less restrictive, permitting boats to enter that very same space however solely at idle pace for energetic loading or unloading close to the sand.
READ: Lido Seaside renourishment to start out by the top of the 12 months
County workers say the intent is to cut back dangerous watercraft exercise close to swimmers and shield the seagrass habitat alongside the shoreline.
The backstory:
The concept gained urgency after a lethal jet ski crash in June that killed a 19-year-old Baltimore Orioles minor league participant close to Lido Key — an incident that sparked new requires tighter guidelines.
Nonetheless, some commissioners urged warning, saying they don’t need to penalize accountable boaters and households who use the realm for recreation.
What they’re saying:
“It looks like Choice A is the place we’re headed,” one commissioner mentioned. “However the wrestle I’ve is leisure boating is a lot enjoyable. You get your loved ones collectively; you moor your boat at a seashore — and there’s not many locations within the county to do this. So, as a result of now we have dangerous actors, good households who take pleasure in their day on the seashore are going to be penalized.”
Others raised questions on how these new guidelines can be enforced, particularly given the variety of companies with jurisdiction in Sarasota Bay.
“Earlier than we put all this vitality into it and make these selections, I simply need to ensure that all of the companies are going to be on the market to implement it,” one other commissioner added.
What’s subsequent:
If authorized, the ordinance would take impact January 1, 2026 — after the county completes state and federal allowing with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee and U.S. Military Corps of Engineers.
A public listening to on the proposed ordinance is anticipated in November.
If commissioners transfer ahead, county workers may also work with the town of Sarasota and regulation enforcement on a communications plan and the set up of regulatory signage marking the 300-foot zone.
The Supply: This text was written with info gathered by FOX 13’s Regina Gonzalez.Â
