GRAHAM LEADBITTER: ‘We simply can not suffer another major wildfire in strath next year’

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‘It was an immense turnout that not only highlighted the passion of the community but how close-knit, caring and neighbourly it is’

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Strathspey Herald

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County gives boating restrictions off South Lido Beach another try

Its first attempt denied by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sarasota County is making a second pass in its effort to slow down motorized watercraft just off the beach areas of Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach. At its Sept. 22 meeting, the Sarasota County Commission authorized staff to send a request to the FWC to establish a slow-speed, minimum-wake boating zone in the area of Big Pass between Lido and Siesta keys. For more than a year, nearby Lido Key residents and other park users made frequent complaints to both city and county commissions regarding unsafe activities of boats and personal watercraft. An ordinance to establish an idle-speed/no-wake zone was adopted in December 2025. “However, without FWC approval, it is not enforceable,” said Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Shawn Yeager. “On April 9, 2026, staff submitted the ordinance for review by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requesting an idle speed/no-wake zone to be established in the waters adjacent to South Lido Beach.” Staff received a reply from FWC on May 20, explaining the conditions cited do not justify the idle-speed/no-wake zone. Staff followed up with a video of personal watercraft activity, resulting in a second letter of denial dated June 3. The map shows the 300-foot boater safety zone proposed by Sarasota County. Courtesy image The latest effort is to modify the request to a slow-speed/minimum wake zone. While supporting the concept, Commissioner Tom Knight said he was concerned that a “minimum wake” is subjective and could leave enforcement vulnerable to challenge. Commissioner Mark Smith, whose district includes Ted Sperling Park and Lido Key, said any improvement is worth the ask. “Having been approached by this situation from the first day I was elected (in 2022), there's a lot of consternation with the activity,” Smith said. “I believe that if there's a chance we can at least get a slower speed there, that would be of help to the area. Unfortunately, with government, oftentimes we need a disaster before we do anything too drastic in their eyes.” Disaster has occurred there. In June 2025, Baltimore Orioles minor league player Luis Guevara was killed when a jet ski he was piloting crashed head-on into another personal watercraft.

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