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Board backs idle‑speed/no‑wake ordinance for Ted Sperling Park; staff to pursue federal permits and enforcement plan
Summary
Following public safety and environmental testimony, the commission approved an ordinance establishing an idle‑speed/no‑wake zone within 300 feet of Ted Sperling Park (South Lido). Staff will seek FWC/DEP/Army Corps/USCG approvals, procure markers and create interlocal enforcement arrangements with the City of Sarasota and law enforcement.
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 16 adopted an ordinance establishing an "idle‑speed/no‑wake" zone within 300 feet of Ted Sperling Park on South Lido, after hearing safety, noise and environmental testimony from residents and marine stakeholders.
What the ordinance does: the change directs staff to pursue the necessary state and federal approvals that would allow a local ordinance to be enforceable — including coordination with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard. Staff described two marker options (buoy markers, estimated $70–90k; piling markers, $100–135k) and said the ordinance itself would not be enforceable until the permitting and marker installation are complete.
Public testimony: residents and local environmental advocates argued the idle/no‑wake rule was needed to reduce hazardous wakes, protect swimmers and small craft, reduce noise that damages wildlife and to limit litter and beach damage. Several business and marine‑industry speakers said they supported an 'idle/no‑wake' approach rather than a total exclusion, while others urged the board to pursue a stronger exclusion zone.
Enforcement and next steps: commissioners stressed enforcement is central to success. Staff will pursue the four permitting pathways, develop an interlocal enforcement agreement with the City of Sarasota and contract for marker procurement and installation. The board passed the ordinance unanimously, but staff cautioned that implementation will take months as the agency approvals and marking work proceed.
Quote: "If the ordinance is approved today, it will not be enforceable until staff obtains the required permits and installs the markers," Parks Director Nicole Risler told the board.
The ordinance passed by unanimous vote. Staff will return with updates on permit status, marker procurement and enforcement agreements.
