'No revving' sign warns Thunder bikers

Thunder by the Bay rumbles into Sarasota this week, bringing with it thousands of bikers, a sizable economic impact and possible noise complaints from downtown residents. But, the Sarasota Police department is being proactive about the latter issue.

Officers posted a large electronic sign with the message, “no revving,” on Fruitville Road near Bobby Jones Golf Course for the first time in the event’s history in response to noise complaints, said SPD spokeswoman Genevieve Judge. Violators will receive a summons to appear in court.

“It’s a friendly reminder to let those on motorcycles know that we’re asking them not to sit idle on their motorcycles and rev the engines,” Judge said.

Revving is considered an “unreasonable sound in violation,” of the city’s sound control ordinance, which was passed in 2003.

Thunder by the Bay, which begins today and runs through Sunday, benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

The festival has been a strong driver for the local economy, with an estimated $7.4 million economic impact on the region last year. Out-of-county visitors (the largest boon to a local economy during an event) spent $4.02 million, which was an 8.6% jump over the previous year's event.