Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/329100
Siesta Seen allow visitors to park in its lot, and then the free services on Siesta — such as Sun Ride Pedicab and Jonny's Free Ride — could shut- tle people from there to the public beach. Lally also noted that the new parking lot at Siesta Public Beach will be open before the July Fourth holiday. "Maybe that will relieve some of [the problems]." After all the improvements at the beach park have been completed in late 2015, accord- ing to county staff, 143 more spaces will be available. SPEAKING OF PARKING … In April 2013, regular readers will recall, the County Commission approved a new ordinance prohibiting "The blocking of or obstructing access to or from vacant desig- nated parking spaces except when moving a motor vehicle into and out of such designated parking space or when conducted by or with the permission of County officials." The primary purpose was to reduce the num- ber of altercations that have erupted over the years as people have stood in parking spaces at Siesta Public Beach to save them for driv- ers seeking spots in the lot. The fine for trying to keep someone out of a space is $100; notice of the ordinance is visible to drivers entering the beach parking area. Nonetheless, Deputy Chris McGregor told SKA members on June 5, "Just this past Friday, I had four fights in the parking lot over parking issues. You know, for some of these people, a $100 fine is not a big deal." Although the beach will be getting extra spaces as part of the improvements, he contin- ued, "It may be a drop in the bucket" in terms of meeting demand. "The majority of my job on a Saturday or Sunday is spent in that park- ing lot, diffusing situations," he added. SUP RACE SERIES The second annual Sarasota SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Race Series will kick off Saturday, June 21, at Siesta Key Beach, orga- nizers have announced. "The Sarasota SUP Series offers a unique SUP experience, showcasing three differ- ent Sarasota County Parks," a news release explains. Races also will take place at Nathan Benderson Park on Aug. 23 and at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on Ken Thompson Parkway on Oct. 11, the release adds. A new video highlights the upcoming race, the release notes. Events planned for Siesta Key Beach include the 6-mile Beach Start Battle of the Paddle Course, the 3-mile Recreation Course and a half-mile Short Course "for the younger crowd," the release says, as well as Beach to Buoy and Back coed team relay races. The Sarasota SUP Series features more than $10,000 in trophies, awards and giveaways — including four NK SpeedCoach devices during the Siesta event — as well as music, food and drinks in the "Kona Lounge" and manufactur- ers' board demonstrations, the release says. Sarasota News Leader June 13, 2014 Page 76