Sarasota commissioners direct ordinance change to restrict motorized watercraft at Ted Sperling Park; public hearing set
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Summary
After residents urged tighter protections for swimmers and non‑motorized users, the board directed staff to proceed toward an ordinance that would create a 300‑foot motorboat exclusion zone or require idle speed, and scheduled a public hearing for further action.
Sarasota County commissioners on Oct. 21 directed staff to prepare an amendment to county code to restrict motorized watercraft near Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and set the measure for a public hearing.
The action followed extensive public comment from residents and neighborhood groups describing repeated unsafe jet‑ski and boat activity at South Lido and urging a full exclusion zone for motorized watercraft. Several speakers, including neighborhood representatives and the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations, urged adoption of “option A” — an outright motorboat exclusion zone — arguing that enforcement is simpler where the rule is a clear yes/no boundary.
Parks Director Nicole Risler told the commission staff had drafted two options for consideration: option A would bar motorized craft from a marked exclusion area (with exemptions for emergency and law enforcement vessels, government operations, and permitted temporary uses); option B would allow boats to approach but require they operate at idle speed. Risler said both choices would require permitting and installation of markers and signage through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and potentially other agencies before the rule could be enforced.
After briefing and discussion, the commission voted unanimously to move the ordinance to public hearing for consideration of option A (exclusion) and related technical amendments to county code. Commissioners and some speakers noted enforcement and intergovernmental coordination would be essential, and several asked the city of Sarasota to clarify whether its noise regulations and trespass agreements would support enforcement.
Why it matters: Residents and visitors use South Lido for swimming, paddle sports and access to a unique mangrove and bay interface. Commissioners framed the measure as a public‑safety and water‑use‑management decision that could affect enforcement resources and interlocal agreements with the City of Sarasota and Florida Fish and Wildlife.
What’s next: The county will pursue required state regulatory approvals and bring a proposed ordinance to a public hearing at an upcoming meeting. Staff also committed to a communications campaign and to coordinate buoy/marker procurement and maintenance plans with law enforcement partners.
Ending: The board’s vote sets the county on a path to a formal vote after state permitting; staff emphasized the rule will not be enforceable until state approvals and signs/buoys are installed.
