The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously to move forward with an ordinance proposing a motorboat exclusion zone around Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and to hold a public hearing on the draft code change. The board also directed county staff to explore additional park noise and park-rule options to address amplified sound and related public-safety concerns at county beaches.

What the ordinance would do: The preferred option approved by the board would create a marked exclusion zone extending 300 feet from the current shoreline at South Lido where motorboats would be prohibited, subject to exceptions for law enforcement and emergency vessels, government vessels conducting authorized work, and temporary-use permits for permitted events. Staff said that adoption of a county ordinance would be an initial step; additional permits and approvals will be required from state and federal agencies (including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and possibly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), and navigational markers and signage would need to be procured and maintained.

Noise and park rules: Commissioners and staff acknowledged that noise is a related but separate enforcement gap because the City of Sarasota’s current noise code excludes motor vehicles from enforcement on certain waterfront areas. The commission separately authorized staff to return with options to regulate noise in county parks — including possible park-rule changes that would set a “plainly audible” standard that could be enforced by trespass or other means — so county staff can present options for a discussion item.

Motion and outcome: Commissioner Smith moved and Commissioner Mast seconded the motions to (1) approve the preferred exclusion map (Option A) and authorize a public hearing on the ordinance amendment to Chapter 130, Articles 2 and 3, and (2) direct staff to study park noise/park rule options and bring back a discussion item. Both motions passed unanimously.

Implementation notes: Staff said the ordinance would become effective January 1 if adopted by the board, but added that signage, buoy or piling installation and regulatory agency approvals would take additional months. Commissioners asked county staff to coordinate closely with the City of Sarasota and law-enforcement partners on enforcement strategy and signage design.