Sarasota County will allow surfing in swim zones at the discretion of life guards.

The proposal passed - however, “on the record" concessions were made for Surfing that legally did not previously exist - under statute - but rather existed out of practical realities by lifeguard staff. In other words, Surfers requesting permission during wave events and given the ok.

In sum, the Commissioners' (BCC) learned from the County staff during the meeting today Surfing was previously banned from buoyed swim areas in 1996 under a different ordinance (i.e. MuniCode Chapter 130, Sec. 33) as a prohibited Watercraft (means boat, motorboat, vessel, houseboat, barge surfboard, floating structure, floating home...mechanical power, sail, or tow line).

At the start of the meeting an official indicated Surfing was banned in the 1970s and later retracted his statement due to new info presented him by counsel at the meeting. In 1996, Chapter 130, SEC 33 banned Surfing in all county, buoy marked, swim areas (i.e. which expanded over time - but information was not available by staff regarding how much area was under buoys when asked by BCC - staff offered a guess of .5 miles on Lido, about the same on Siesta, more on Venice, Nokomis, Manasota, etc. ) but neglected to give lifeguards or anyone else legal discretion to permit Surfing. As such, respective beach lifeguard mgt. made accommodations to Surfers during the past 14 years based on subjective judgment (e.g. safety considerations to swimmers in the swim zones.) and no authority by statute.

It was explained to the BCC by locally well liked, lifeguard Chief J.R. Ayers, surfing commonly occurs during cold fronts and tropical storm events when swimmers/tourists are limited in numbers or not present entirely. EMT access and safety are his primary concerns. He also indicated to the BCC -  his guards are surfers and paddle boarders.

Today, the BCC indicated they will allow accommodations to be made for surfing - on the record - in swim zones during surf advisories by lifeguard management. Surfers can continue to surf in zones with lifeguard consent!  The BCC will amend necessary language to reflect their intent to allow lifeguards decision making power.

Due to the overwhelming responses by emails, information provided from speakers, and demonstrated willingness to compromise, the BCC seeks to work in the future with the Surfing community to ensure successful coexistence and use of resources.

The County attorney and BCC will meet with community Surfers to listen to concerns and discuss beach access issues.

A hand was extended to us by counsel on a new issue brought up at the meeting - watermen and waterwomen are invited to the table to discuss new buoys and a lifeguard station proposed for Turtle Beach - as mentioned our best surf location and currently unguarded. County staff are receptive to advice on "where to put the swim area" so as not to hurt surfing at Turtle Beach.

Meeting was televised at 1:30 PM on public access. You can watch the events from the County's website tonight (archived?) at Access TV, they play reruns at 6pm:

http://www.scgov.net/PlanningandDevelopment/CompPlan/Amendments.asp