County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff looking to expand program that has been in effect on Lido Key
From 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department staff will welcome interested business owners and members of the community at a public meeting regarding the proposed expansion of a permit program for commercial operators of non-motorized watercraft at Turtle Beach Park.
Permitted operators rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Ted Sperling Nature Park on Lido Key, the release explains. At that location, visitors may “venture out on their own to explore the world-famous mangrove tunnels,” the release notes, or they can opt for a guided tour. With the program expansion, operators will be able to purchase permits to offer rentals and tours at Turtle Beach Park, the release points out.
The Turtle Beach Park launch site is in the center of the facility, on the Blind Pass Lagoon, the release continues. From there, people on vessels can explore Little Sarasota Bay, Jim Neville Marine Preserve and adjoining areas, the release notes.
No RSVP for the April 18 meeting is necessary, the release adds. The public is invited to stop by between 3 and 6 p.m. at the Turtle Beach Park Community Room, which is located at 8918 Midnight Pass Road. Sarasota County staff will be present to discuss the program expansion and answer questions, the release says.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000, or visit www.scgov.net.