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After public outcry over dangerous watercraft activity, commissioners ask staff to draft bans near South Lido
Summary
Sarasota County commissioners on July 8 ordered staff to draft ordinance amendments limiting motorboat anchoring and personal watercraft activity near South Lido Beach Park after residents described repeated dangerous jet‑ski behavior and a recent fatality.
Sarasota County commissioners on July 8 unanimously directed county staff to draft ordinance changes to restrict motorized watercraft activity near South Lido Beach (Ted Sperling Nature Park) after several residents described recurrent reckless jet‑skiing and boat behavior that endangers swimmers, paddlers and local residents.
During the meeting’s open‑to‑the‑public period, multiple residents described frequent “donuts,” high‑speed wakes and near‑misses between personal watercraft and kayakers along South Lido. Speakers cited the recent death of a visiting professional baseball player as a moment that underscored the hazard. Several speakers read from a county staff report that recommended possible prohibitions and enforcement changes.
Commissioner Mark Smith asked staff to return with ordinance language amending two county code sections (chapter 130 and chapter 90) to add a specific prohibition: no anchoring or mooring of motorboats within 300 feet of South Lido Beach Park unless permitted, and related enforcement language. The motion to direct staff to prepare the changes and coordinate with the City of Sarasota and law enforcement passed unanimously.
Speakers who urged action included David Raynor, Celine O’Connor (a Lido resident who documented three years of complaints and safety incidents), Peter Conrad (longtime adjacent resident), Ezekiel Munchkowski (who recorded videos of close calls) and others. They told commissioners that jet skis often operate close to swimmers and paddlecraft, creating large wakes and frequent close calls. Several speakers urged stronger interagency enforcement agreements: the county, the City of Sarasota, the Sarasota Police Department marine patrol and the Sheriff’s Office.
County staff and commissioners said they would coordinate with the city and law enforcement on enforceable language, and that any ordinance draft would be returned to the board for review and a follow‑up vote. The motion passed 5–0.
Ending: Staff will draft precise changes to county code, analyze enforcement options and return to the commission; the board also asked staff to coordinate closely with City of Sarasota officials and marine patrol units on implementation and enforcement.
