SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — A proposed amendment in Sarasota County, if passed, could crack down on how and if charter boats can use public docks for their businesses.
Captains plan to be at Tuesday's county commission meeting to learn more about the proposal and share their concerns.
"We've used this as a pickup location for over 20 years now," Matt Feuyo, the owner of Reel Tight Fishing Charters said. "And we're trying to figure out why they won't allow us to pick up guests here anymore, or at any of the other park facilities."
This amendment made its way onto the county commission agenda following concerns about parking and space.
"The County’s water access and boat ramp parks lack the space, parking capacity and supporting infrastructure to support the management of a commercial vessel permit program," the background section of the amendment reads.
Now, officials are looking to add clarifying language to the already prohibited commercial use of Sarasota County parks without a permit.
"The use of county boat ramps for launching both personal and commercial vessels has not changed and is still allowed," the county shared in an email statement. "What is prohibited is the use of the park to conduct business without a permit such as picking up passengers for charters."
Those most impacted say they'd like to see other options considered before closing the docks off entirely to charters.
"You know, there's just so much parking that is unused that we can we can utilize," Fueyo said. "I think it's just going to destroy us. I think it's going to hurt us bad."
Violators of the ordinance could face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Tuesday's commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. You can watch and share a public comment at the county administration building. The meeting is also streamed online, live.
Malique Rankin is a general assignment reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. You can email her story ideas at mrankin@10tampabay.com and follow her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.