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Commission approves ordinance allowing golf carts on designated sidewalk segments in South County retirement communities
Summary
After months of study and neighborhood lobbying, the board approved an ordinance and companion resolution designating specific sidewalk segments near several retirement communities as appropriate for golf‑cart operation, contingent on DOT signoff and signage; approval was unanimous.
The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously on May 5 to adopt an ordinance and companion resolution that designates specific sidewalk segments near several retirement communities along U.S. 41 as allowable corridors for golf‑cart operation.
Residents and park association leaders from Harbor Cove, La Casa, Harbor Isles, Riverwalk and Lazy River told the board the sidewalks in question serve predominantly retired communities and that a focused sidewalk allowance would reduce dangerous trips onto US‑41, improve access to nearby stores and support social connectivity. Speakers said the sidewalks are at least 8 feet wide with grass shoulders and that many users already travel the corridors informally.
Staff and the transportation director explained the proposal is limited to narrowly identified sidewalks west of the state highway, requires a minimum eight‑foot paved width with open shoulders, mandates safety equipment (seat belts, slow‑moving vehicle emblem, turn signals as required by statute), and depends on Florida Department of Transportation concurrence for crossing the city limit to reach retail centers. The county plans a public education brochure to reach park residents and to communicate equipment and safety requirements.
Commissioners praised the protracted community engagement and the safety work done by staff and DOT. The board asked staff to coordinate signage and DOT approval and to stage an implementation outreach once signs are installed; staff estimated activation could occur toward the end of the month after DOT signoff and signage installation.
The vote clears a narrow, site‑specific allowance; staff emphasized it is not a countywide change to the rules governing golf carts on sidewalks and that each corridor was studied for width, pedestrian volumes and sight lines.
Next steps: staff will install required signage, publish educational materials for residents and finalize coordination with DOT and the adjacent city where needed before enforcement begins.
