Procedures_and_Guidelines.pdf

PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

COMMERCIAL RECREATION AND TOUR OPERATOR (CRTO)

CONCESSIONAIRES PERMIT MEDALLION PROGRAM

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

A. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:

To define the procedures and guidelines for the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Concessionaires Permit Medallion Program which permits the launching of non-motorized vessels within designated county parks. The County desires concession services which enhance the Vision and Mission of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR).

• VISION: A dynamic parks system that is essential to quality of life and enriches our community through participation, connection, and diverse recreational opportunities.

• MISSION: To provide clean, safe and inclusive parks with diverse opportunities for all.

• VALUES: Stewardship, Preservation, Innovation, Respect, Inclusivity, Teamwork, Sustainability, Health and Wellness

Additionally, the County desires to accomplish the following program goals with the delivery of concession services:

• Manage and balance access for public and Commercial Recreation and Tour Operators alike.

• Provide clear guidelines.

• Protect, respect, and preserve our outstanding natural resources.

• Support natural resource-based recreational opportunities through environmental stewardship.

• Promote visitors’ reconnections with the nature experience.

B. BACKGROUND:

The use of non-motorized water vessels, such as kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, continues to be a very popular recreational activity in this area along with an associated demand for CRTOs. Certain launch sites within Sarasota County are desirable locations for CRTOs, and as such, it has been determined that site-specific procedures and guidelines will aid in site management, natural resource protection and fair and equal site access for all users.

Sarasota County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 90 - PARKS, RECREATION AND PUBLIC LANDS: Sec. 90-33. - Prohibited conditions, activities or uses: (a)(12) “The sale of food or

Title/Approved By: Nicole Rissler, Director Review Frequency: Biennially

Signature: PRNR Standard(s): 6.1.6 A

Title/Reviewed By: Hannah Benga, Policy and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator Pages: 5

Signature: Revised: August 2022 drink of any kind, the sale or rental of kites, athletic equipment, sports equipment, or any other items or the provision of services for remuneration. Provided, however, that the County may issue a Permit, or enter into license agreements, leases or other agreements for the sale or rental of any of the above on such terms and conditions as the County shall deem proper and in the best interest of the citizens of the County.”

C. RESOURCES

CAPRA Standard

6.1.6 – Cooperative Programming Attachments/Other Resources Appendix A Site Specific Procedures and Guidelines – Ted Sperling Nature Park Appendix B Site Specific Procedures and Guidelines – Turtle Beach Park Solicitation 202000JSO – Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator Concessionaires

Permit Medallion Program

D. DEFINITIONS:

Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator Concessionaire (CRTO): any person who is properly permitted that provides launches of non-motorized water vessel tours, water vessel rentals, lessons, or offers any other type of water based eco-tour activity or programs from any Sarasota County owned or operated park, beach, or other property, and accepts compensation for such activity; any person properly permitted who rents non-motorized water vessels for pick up at a Sarasota County owned or operated park, beach, or other property.

Non-Motorized Vessel: water vessel propelled by paddles or oars such as canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, paddleboards, inflatable boats, rafts, sculls, dories and drift boats.

E. PROCEDURE:

1. General Requirements and Information:

a. CRTOs are to maintain an up-to-date list of company employees and submit any changes to the Administrative Agent or designee.

b. CRTOs shall provide a briefing to all customers prior to any tour or rental, to include an overview of proper interaction with natural resources, safety guidelines and applicable laws, such as:

• Adherence to the ethical eco-tourism guideline of “Leave only footprints, take only pictures.”

• Prohibition against feeding, touching or disturbing any plant, wildlife or habitat.

• Prohibition against gathering, trimming or removing any vegetation.

• Fishing pursuant to Federal, State, and local guidelines is permissible only with a valid Florida Fishing License.

• Identification of appropriate public locations to explore, moor, beach and picnic, including the reminder to avoid private property.

c. CRTOs are responsible to clean up after themselves, their employees and customers.

d. The launch area(s) must remain clean, hazard-free and safe at all times.

e. CRTOs may not leave unattended vessels on shore before, after or in-between tours, except as otherwise authorized.

f. CRTOs are required to stage rental, tour, and guide vessels as outlined by onsite PRNR staff. CRTOs must have appropriate staffing to ensure the removal of vessels from the launch area upon return from rentals and/or tours.

g. CRTOs are not to interfere with the use and/or enjoyment of any Sarasota County park and/or beach by the general public.

h. CRTOs are not permitted to trim, alter or remove any vegetation on park property, including within the Ted Sperling Nature Park/South Lido mangrove tunnels.

i. While conducting CRTO activities within a Sarasota County park, the CRTO and CRTO staff shall refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

j. CRTOs must abide by all posted park rules, County Facility Rules and Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Concessionaires Permit Medallion Procedures and Guidelines.

k. Unless otherwise designated, no dogs or other animals are allowed, except for service animals.

l. Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources does not provide a weather monitoring system or associated alerts/advisories to park users. The determination to be outdoors during adverse weather conditions rests solely with park users. Lightning and other weather-related phenomena are known hazards, and everyone has a responsibility to monitor their environment.

m. All CRTO employees shall be, at all times, easily identified for the company they represent including but not limited to appropriate uniform shirt with company logo.

n. Launch limits and scheduling guidelines defined and are incorporated herein.

o. Individuals not part of a tour/commercial rental are not required to register, pre-schedule launches or pay any fees and may launch at any time.

p. CRTOs are prohibited from:

• Canvassing with any brochures, flyers, or other promotional literature, verbal callouts and giveaways.

• CRTOs may display an A-frame sign within designated area. Banners, logos and signs painted on or attached to vehicle bodies are permissible, provided they are permanently affixed to said vehicle.

q. Refer to Appendix A for Site Specific Procedures and Guidelines for Ted Sperling Nature Park.

r. Refer to Appendix B for Site Specific Procedures and Guidelines for Turtle Beach Park.

2. Equipment:

a. All CRTOs must provide appropriate safety equipment as required by all applicable

Local, State and Federal laws and/or ordinances.

b. All vessels, personal flotation devices, paddles, and additional equipment must remain in good condition at all times.

c. Each CRTO vessel must be clearly branded with the name of the permitted concessionaire. Branding must be clearly visible while vessels are on the water.

d. Tour guides must have U.S. Coast Guard approved signaling device(s) and a safety towing device.

3. Launching:

a. CRTOs must launch from the designated launch area(s) only.

b. All CRTO vessels launching from a designated launch area must have a permit medallion securely attached prior to launching, during, and upon to return to launch area. The only exception to the medallion requirement for CRTO vessels is for the vessel being used by a guide during the tour.

c. Customers must be provided with a map, electronic or printed, of the adjacent water area, clearly depicting all Water Activity Zone Areas, known hazards and off-limit areas, reinforcing that any violations may result in a citation and/or injury.

4. Recording and Reporting:

a. CRTOs must maintain a record of each customer’s name and local contact number to aid with locating the customer in the event of an emergency.

b. If a customer reports an injury or accident to a CRTO or if a CRTO is aware of an injury or accident that requires medical services, CRTO shall notify staff within 24 hours of incident.

c. CRTOs shall keep a record of all accident reports for two (2) years after each event;

all records shall be available to Sarasota County personnel during regular business hours.

d. CRTOs shall electronically submit number of vessels and number of participants in advance of launching for both guided tours and rentals utilizing Smartsheet form with link provided by PRNR. CRTO shall ensure launches do not exceed number of medallions issued.

5. Violations/Permit Revocation:

a. The County reserves the right to perform inspections and/or reviews with or without advanced notice, and to delay and/or suspend any launch found to be out of compliance with the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Concessionaires Permit Medallion Program until the violation is corrected.

Violation of any aspect of the Procedures and Guidelines may result in termination per Section X of the Concession Agreement.

b. If a CRTO or its employee(s) violates the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator Concessionaires Permit Medallion Program with curable actions the following will occur:

i. First Notice of curable action within a single permit program year: CRTO is provided notification of violation and violation must be corrected prior to resuming launches.

ii. Second notice of curable action within a single permit program year: CRTO is provided notification of violation and violation must be corrected prior to resuming launches.

iii. Third Notice of curable action within a single permit program year: CRTO is provided notification of violation, CRTO is issued a three (3) day suspension of launch privileges at County’s discretion and violation must be corrected prior to resuming launches.

iv. Fourth Notice of curable action within a single permit program year: CRTO is provided notification of violation, CRTO is issued a seven (7) day suspension of launch privileges at County’s discretion and violation must be corrected prior to resuming launches.

v. Fifth Notice of curable action within a single permit program year: CRTO is provided notification of violation. County will consider any and all options to terminate contract as provided within Section XI. Termination from Concession Agreement

F. HISTORICAL RECORD

G. EVALUATION:

The PRNR Business Operations Division will review these procedures and guidelines biennially and update as needed.

Date Version Notes

1/2021 1 8/2022 2

APPENDIX A

SITE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

TED SPERLING NATURE PARK

In addition to the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Concessionaires Permit Procedures and Guidelines, Ted Sperling Nature Park at South Lido Beach has additional procedures and guidelines for use of the launch by CRTOs. Failure to comply with these site-specific procedures and guidelines may result in actions as set forth in Contract.

Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, including Ted Sperling Nature Park Ted Sperling Nature Park is part of Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and features a non-motorized water vessel launch area that provides access to Sarasota Bay, Brushy Bayou and the South Lido Mangrove Tunnels. Due to the ease of kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing in the bayou and access to the tunnels, Gulf of Mexico and overall site qualities, this location has become very popular with kayak, paddleboard, and canoe tour operators and individuals alike. The location has restroom facilities, 27 paved parking spaces, two of which are designated as ADA accessible parking, and two are designated as short-term loading/unloading parking spaces. Additionally, there is a 150’ wide by 51’ deep grass section informally designated as parking for vehicles with trailers.

1. General:

a. Park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Facilities are open 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

b. CRTO launches may occur only between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., seven days per week.

c. County park staff are onsite during varying days and/or hours.

d. This is a County-owned park within the City of Sarasota; County park rules and City of Sarasota codes and ordinances apply to all CRTOs and park visitors.

e. CRTOs are permitted to launch at the designated launch area at the Ted Sperling Nature Park, located at 190 Taft Drive. CRTO launching for tours or rentals from any other areas at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach is prohibited.

f. CRTOs may unload equipment for scheduled tours or rentals only. The vessels may be placed in the launch area typically no earlier than 90 minutes before a tour/rental and must be removed from the launch and stored on/in the CRTO trailer or vehicle typically no later than 90 minutes after completion of the tour/rental. If vessels are scheduled for re-launch soon on the same day, CRTO Program staff may authorize a longer time period, contingent upon available space and capacity within the overall launch schedule.

g. All CRTO vessels that are launched must have a medallion attached in an easily visible location with the wording on the medallion unobstructed. Medallions must remain on the vessel during the entire time of its use from launching, all time spent on the water and upon return.

h. CRTOs may use the kayak/canoe wash area to rinse the vessels. Immediately after cleaning, the vessels are to be properly stored on a trailer or vehicle and must not remain in the wash area.

i. No motorized water vessels can launch from Ted Sperling Nature Park.

j. All launch numbers shall be logged prior to the vessels departing via the CRTO Launch

Reporting Form as determined by staff. In the event the CRTO Launch Reporting Form is unavailable, all launch numbers must be reported to County park staff.

k. CRTOs are prohibited from selling any items other than non-motorized vessel rentals or tours.

l. CRTOs shall not secure 190 Taft Drive, Ted Sperling Nature Park, or South Lido Beach on

Google Maps, or similar applications, to the exclusion of other CRTOs.

2. Parking:

a. Trailers and Company Vehicles

Permit Medallion Lot ID # of Permit Medallions Parking Spot A1.1 40 1 and 2 A1.2 40 8 and 9 A2.1 20 3 A2.2 20 4 A2.3 20 5 A3.1 15 6 A3.2 15 7

1. CRTOs may use assigned trailer parking spot(s) as designated within the CRTO parking area.

2. Only one Company Vehicle per assigned parking spot may be parked within Ted

Sperling Nature Park.

3. A Company Vehicle shall mean a vehicle with or without a trailer affixed, which is used by a CRTO, or its employees or guides, to transact business or to support operations.

b. CRTOs shall park vehicles other than Company Vehicles (for example, employee or guide vehicles) in the unpaved grass parking area along the left (north side) of the park roadway, before the maintenance building. The paved parking lot on the east side of the park shall not be used by CRTOs or their employees or guides for parking.

c. CRTOs may leave one trailer, detached from a tow vehicle within assigned parking space, during normal park hours for no more than 2 hours, regardless if the CRTO or CRTO staff is onsite (including on the water).

3. Tour Scheduling:

a. Regardless of the number of CRTOs launching, the maximum number of vessels launched simultaneously may not exceed 20. CRTOs are responsible for following any maximum number that may be imposed under CRTOs insurance policy. Guide vessels, carrying guides only, are not included in the count of the 20 vessels.

b. Launches shall depart approximately every 15-20 minutes or at the discretion of the County.

c. Additional launch times and limits may be accommodated based on launch schedule and site usage.

4. The PRNR Business Operations Division will review these site-specific procedures and guidelines annually or as needed for any updates or revisions.

APPENDIX B

SITE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

TURTLE BEACH PARK

In addition to the Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Concessionaires Permit Procedures and Guidelines, Turtle Beach Park has additional procedures and guidelines for use of the launch by CRTOs. Failure to comply with these site-specific procedures and guidelines may result in actions as set forth in Contract.

Turtle Beach Park Located on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach Park is a unique park that offers beachfront water access as well as launches for motorized and non-motorized vessels in Blind Pass Lagoon. In addition, the park has paved and unpaved parking and a playground, and a public use non-motorized vessel launch adjacent to vehicle parking on the north side of the lagoon. From Blind Pass Lagoon, vessels can explore Little Sarasota Bay, Jim Neville Marine Preserve and adjoining areas.

Adjacent to the unpaved trailer parking area on the west side of the lagoon, there are motorized vessel launches as well as a tree-lined shoreline area commonly used for non-motorized vessel launches. This area is available for permitted commercial launches, as well as for use by park visitors. Commercial trailer parking spaces have been designated and marked for use by CRTOs only on a first available basis.

The area immediately in front of the launch, between designated CRTO trailer parking spaces, is designated for pedestrian use only.

Turtle Beach Park amenities includes restroom facilities and paved and unpaved parking areas which are shared by all users of the park on a first come, first served basis.

1. General:

a. Park is open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Facilities are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

b. County park staff are onsite during varying days and/or hours

c. This is a county-owned park; County park rules and Sarasota County Codes and ordinances apply to all CRTOs and park visitors.

d. Commercial operators are only permitted to launch from the designated commercial launch site unless authorized by staff for alternate locations. Launching may occur during established park facility hours.

e. CRTOs may unload equipment for scheduled tours or rentals only. The vessels may be placed in the launch area no earlier than 90 minutes before a tour/rental and must be removed from the launch and stored on/in the CRTO trailer or vehicle no later than 90 minutes after completion of the tour/rental. If vessels are scheduled for re-launch soon on the same day, CRTO Program staff may authorize a longer time period, contingent upon available space and capacity within the overall launch schedule.

f. All CRTO vessels that are launched must have a medallion attached in an easily visible location with the wording on the medallion unobstructed. Medallions must remain on the vessel during the entire time of its use from launching, during all time spent on the water and upon return.

g. CRTOs may use the spigots adjacent to the designated commercial launch area to rinse the vessels. No soaps or chemicals of any kind may be used. Immediately after cleaning, the vessels are to be properly stored on a trailer or vehicle and must not remain in the wash area.

h. Motorized vessels launch from the boat ramps located on either side of the non-motorized vessel launch area. CRTOs shall acquaint themselves and their guides with the launch arrangement and shall take all possible precautions to avoid launching or returning non-motorized vessels while the motorized launches are in use, or while motorized vessels are in proximity of the launches. In addition, CRTOs shall impress this safety requirement upon their rental and tour customers.

i. All launch numbers shall be logged prior to the vessels departing via the CRTO Launch Reporting Form. In the event the CRTO Launch Reporting Form is unavailable, all launch numbers must be reported to CRTO Program staff.

j. CRTOs are prohibited from selling any items other than non-motorized vessel rentals or tours.

k. CRTOs shall not secure 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Turtle Beach Park, or Turtle Beach on Google

Maps, or similar applications, to the exclusion of other CRTOs.

2. Parking:

a. Trailers and Company Vehicles

i. CRTO issued 30 medallions may use two (2) trailer parking spots and all other CRTOs may use one (1) trailer parking spot within the designated CRTO parking area per day, as spaces are available and on a first come, first served basis.

ii. Only one Company Vehicle per CRTO may be parked within Turtle Beach Park.

iii. A Company Vehicle shall mean a vehicle with or without a trailer affixed, which is used by a

CRTO, or its employees or guides, to transact business or to support operations.

iv. Trailer parking spaces are available in front of the designated commercial non-motorized vessel launch area.

b. CRTO Program staff may advise the public and/or CRTOs regarding parking as necessary in any part of the park.

c. CRTOs must ensure the drive area within the designated commercial non-motorized vessel launch area is clear and accessible.

3. Tour Scheduling:

a. Regardless of the number of CRTOs launching, the maximum number of vessels launched simultaneously may not exceed 20. CRTOs are responsible for following any maximum number that may be imposed under any insurance policy. Guide vessels, carrying guides only, are not included in the count of the 20 vessels.

b. Launches shall depart approximately every 15-20 minutes or at the discretion of the County.

c. Additional launch times and limits may be accommodated based on launch schedule and site usage.

4. The PRNR Business Operations Division will review these site-specific procedures and guidelines annually or as needed for any updates or revisions.