Multiple speakers told the Sarasota County Commission on Oct. 8 that reckless jet-ski and boating behavior at Ted Sperling Park and the adjacent waterways is endangering swimmers, kayakers and paddle-boarders.

Speakers described late-night parties, loud amplified speakers, vessels operating near swimmers and repeated examples of 'donuts' and high-speed passes within congested areas. Celine O'Connor, a resident at county-owned Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, urged the commission to expand and strengthen ordinances governing motorized watercraft and to close gaps in the existing interlocal agreement between Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota that affect park boundaries and waters adjacent to the park.

Why it matters: Ted Sperling Park is a county park within city limits; unresolved gaps in jurisdiction and enforcement make safety enforcement and response more complex. Speakers repeatedly cited the death of a 19-year-old jet-ski operator, described in the meeting as a recent tragic example of unsafe watercraft activity.

County response and assignment: Staff noted a board assignment (24-023) requesting suggested ordinance amendments governing waterways, boating and water safety at South Lido Park. County staff and commissioners praised the Sarasota Police Department marine patrol for enforcement responses and asked staff to work with the City of Sarasota to strengthen the interlocal agreement and ensure enforcement coverage where county park boundaries extend into city jurisdiction.

Public comment: Witnesses described specific incidents where jet skis passed within 10 to 20 feet of swimmers, worried about child safety, and asked the board for 'meaningful, actionable change' to avoid future deaths. Several speakers referenced passing videos at the podium and urged quicker coordination between county code enforcement, sheriff's deputies, and city marine patrol.

Ending: The board's assignment to staff remains in place; staff will return with potential ordinance amendments and suggested revisions to the interlocal agreement to improve clarity of enforcement in the park and adjacent waters.