City of Sarasota also to host annual July Fourth fireworks show at Bayfront Park
The 38th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is scheduled for July 1 and July 2 at Lido Beach in the city of Sarasota, city leaders are reminding the public.
Additionally, the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular will be held on July Fourth at Sarasota Bayfront Park, which stands at 1 Marina Plaza in downtown Sarasota. The fireworks are set to begin at 9 p.m.
The city is co-sponsoring the annual P1 Offshore Sarasota Grand Prix, as well as the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, a city news release notes.
To facilitate operations during the Grand Prix, Centennial Park and the 10th Street Boat Ramp were to close at 11:59 p.m. on June 29; they will reopen at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, the release says.
Parking in the South Lido Beach parking lot will be limited, the release points out. “Carpooling or using the Bay Runner trolley is highly encouraged.”
However, the release says, the Bay Runner will not serve Ted Sperling Park on July 1 and July 2.
Further, the release notes, New Pass will be closed west of the New Pass bridge on both July 1 and July 2, during the races. Boaters still will have access to the cove, the release adds.
Among other details for the public, the release points out that, in advance of the fireworks show, Bayfront Drive will be closed from Orange Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue from 7 to 11:30 p.m. on July 4.
The parking lot for Bayfront Park and Marina and Island Park “will close once it reaches maximum capacity,” the release adds. No parking will be permitted in the grassy area on the south end of Bayfront Park, it emphasizes.
A Sarasota Police Department news release issued this week also points out that drivers leaving the bayfront/downtown area following the fireworks “will be subject to specific restricted traffic control measures as part of a comprehensive exit plan.” Motorists should expect delays of up to one hour when they are leaving the event, it adds.
Parking also will not permitted in the median of John Ringling Boulevard, the city news release says. Drivers should observe the “No Parking” signs, it cautions.
Further, the Police Department release points out that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lots and Van Wezel Way from East End to 10th Street will be closed from 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, until 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 2.
The Sarasota Police Department advises the public that vehicles not removed from all of the above parking areas by the posted times will be towed at the owners’ expense. For information on towed vehicles, the releases recommends that individuals call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.
Additionally, the Police Department emphasizes that its officers are “committed to keeping residents and visitors safe. The Sarasota Police Department wants you and your family to enjoy the holiday weekend safely, and remember, if you SEE something, SAY something. Report any suspicious activity or behavior to law enforcement immediately.”