Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator Concessionaires Permit Medallion Program

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is seeking Commercial Recreation and Tour Operators to provide non-motorized water vessel rentals and tours at Ted Sperling Nature Park and Turtle Beach Park through an Invitation for Bids (IFB). The procurement is for a Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) Concessionaires Permit Medallion Program, with an initial contract term of 3 years anticipated to begin on March 1, 2026. Bidders must demonstrate at least seven years of experience providing non-motorized water vessel rentals and tours, with a minimum of two professional references. The program allocates 130 total medallions across three lots at Ted Sperling Nature Park and 60 total medallions across three lots at Turtle Beach Park. Vendors will be responsible for purchasing annual permit medallions, submitting monthly sales reports, and adhering to specific operational guidelines that prioritize environmental stewardship. The compensation structure includes a minimum bid per medallion ($650 for Ted Sperling Nature Park and $325 for Turtle Beach Park) plus a percentage of the concessionaire's monthly gross sales. The bid response is due by October 6, 2025, with anticipated contract commencement on March 1, 2026.

The solicitation does not include specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and local or American business preferences do not apply due to grant funding requirements. The program currently has six permitted vendors at Ted Sperling Nature Park and four at Turtle Beach Park, offering guided tours, vessel rentals, and instructional programs involving paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft. Concessionaires will be required to maintain an up-to-date employee list, provide customer safety briefings, clean launch areas, and follow strict environmental protection principles. The maximum number of vessels that can be launched simultaneously is capped at 20 for both locations, with launches typically scheduled every 15-20 minutes. Violations of the guidelines can result in progressive penalties, ranging from notifications to potential permit suspension or termination. The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Business Operations Division will review and update the procedures biennially. While specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, vendors will generate revenue through vessel rentals and tours, with a percentage of gross sales and minimum medallion purchase fees contributing to the county's revenue.