Surfing has been added to Sarasota County’s proposal to eliminate watercraft, wind, and kiteboarding sports within the swim buoy’s. While no sport should be eliminated from a public beach, surfing does not even fall into the “airsports” definition. If a restriction is made and limits surfing to outside the swim buoys, a surfer would not even be able to paddle their board out into the water!
BCC Assignment No. 10033: Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Revisions to Article II, Chapter 90, Sarasota County Code of Ordinances: “Air Sports, Watercraft, surfing, and sailboarding operated within a swim area designated by a buoy.”
Yes, surfers venture out to the beaches with everyone else. But, surfers also venture out to the beaches when nobody else does. Keep in mind, your average surfer is a lawyer, scientist, business owner, etc. and not the typical 'Spicolli' you see on t.v. Surfing economics has a contributing factor unaccounted for in most areas.
The irony of the situation: the local surfing community assists in keeping the area clean and supports the ban on offshore drilling. Now why would any government officials want to alienate any volunteer in such crucial economic times? In addition, why would any government official select to harbor grievances on local businesses supporting the waters sports during the crucial economic, and employment, times?
If the new ordinance passes, I guess some counties will have to find out the hard way.
Hearing is set for Wednesday, June 23 – to send your voice in, links are provided on your local Surfrider Foundation Suncoast Chapter Website: www.suncoastsurfrider.org
Should the ordinance pass – look out for similar across the state.
Speak now – or forever hold your board…on dry land.
This article appears in Jun 17-23, 2010.