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Backyard Social special‑exception request continued after neighbors raise noise, traffic and safety concerns
Summary
The county commission on Jan. 15 continued a request by Backyard Social to allow extended late‑night hours at a proposed Professional Parkway location after neighbors raised concerns that extended hours would bring noise, late‑night crowds and traffic problems.
Sarasota County commissioners on Jan. 15 continued a developer’s request for a special exception to allow extended late‑night hours for a Backyard Social restaurant proposed near I‑75 and Professional Parkway after extensive public comment from nearby residents about noise, traffic and public‑safety concerns.
Applicant Ria Hunter and site representatives said the concept blends a central indoor bar and food‑truck court with outdoor dining and family activities; the original petition requested indoor and outdoor entertainment after county standard hours. During the hearing the applicant withdrew the request for outdoor entertainment after 10 p.m. and limited the petition to indoor live entertainment after 10 p.m. and to outdoor dining with alcohol beyond standard hours. The developer presented a binding development concept plan and a professional acoustic study concluding the facility would comply with county decibel limits at property lines.
Dozens of nearby residents from Waterside, Shoreview and neighboring subdivisions urged the commission to deny the special exception. Speakers offered a combination of personal testimony and public records: that a Backyard Social in Fort Myers drew repeated calls to Lee County deputies (several residents supplied summaries of calls for service); that the proposed site is closer than neighbors expected to homes; and that extended hours would attract late‑night crowds, increase traffic on nearby Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and could encourage drag‑style racing and rowdy behavior.
‘‘If you give it to them, it’s difficult to take it back,’’ said Commissioner Knight during deliberations, echoing neighbors’ concerns. Commissioners cited the site’s proximity to residential areas and signs of short‑term transient traffic as reasons to proceed cautiously. The board voted unanimously to continue the hearing; the applicant requested additional time to refine the request and meet privately with neighbors and staff.
Ending: Staff will re‑notice and schedule the application for a future meeting after the applicant works with residents and modifies plans or stipulations; the continuation is not an approval and the applicant must return with any new proposals and updated documentation.
