County asks for input on stand-up paddleboard rental

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation is reviewing a proposal to permit the use of stand-up paddleboards on county beaches.

The county listened to the proposal on March 5. County staff then studied the public safety impacts, needed regulations and feasibility of allowing vendors to rent stand-up paddleboards on Siesta Key Beach, according to a press release by the county.

“The proposal to offer stand-up paddleboard rentals at county beaches was initiated by local vendors who are experiencing an increased demand for them,” said Tricia Wisner, business development coordinator for Parks and Recreation.

At the meeting, commissioners discussed downsizing the swim zone to limit where water crafts, from kayaks to paddleboards, could enter the water and be used in the gulf beyond the swim zone.

Only six miles of county beaches are lifeguarded, the release said, and only swimming-related activities are allowed currently.

The county will hold two public meetings:

• Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota.
• Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Nokomis Community Center, 234 E. Nippino Trail, Nokomis.