Venice — The City Council unanimously directed staff to work with Sarasota County to create a marked crosswalk and signage for overflow parking to Service Club Beach and to pursue county permission to expand informal parking on the county right of way east of Harbor Drive.

Councilmember Ed Howard said the changes are a response to increased overflow parking since storm damage at Caspersen Beach pushed visitors north: "Since the hurricane damage at Caspersen Beach, parking has migrated northward ... The existing overflow parking conditions ... are creating an even greater safety concern," Howard said.

City staff and the mayor noted Harbor Drive is a county-owned road and that the county previously gave written permission for a gravel overflow lot adjacent to Sharkey’s (about 90 spaces) under conditions that preclude permanent paving. Staff said county right-of-way in the area can be as wide as 50–55 feet in places and that county cooperation would be required before any expansion. The council approved a motion asking staff to obtain county approvals for a marked crosswalk and to investigate expanding legitimate overflow parking in those county-controlled areas. Council members also discussed short-term fixes such as creating an improved unpaved surface and placing crosswalks similar to those at Sharkey’s restaurant.

Why it matters: Council members described pedestrian-safety concerns and traffic impacts caused by displaced Caspersen Beach visitors. The motion directs staff to coordinate with county officials and to return with plans and design options for signage, crosswalks and possible parking extensions.

Implementation: Public Works staff will pursue the design, obtain required permits and report back to council; the motion passed unanimously.