On June 25, Governor DeSantis vetoed SB 382, which would have regulated e-bikes and certain other micro-mobility device provisions, including scooters. This action caused a minor stir among downtown community residents who have observed and encountered dangerous behaviors by persons using these devices. However, the Governor’s veto has no impact on the fairly comprehensive provisions for bicycles, including, by definition, e-bike use, in our local Code of Ordinances, Article V, Section 33.

In my quest to be vindicated as being right, I found this Article and Section one afternoon after stepping out of a doorway of a business on Main Street and being “brushed,” or maybe nearly brushed, by a bicyclist traveling, in my opinion, at a speed that was not “reasonable and prudent.” My vindication was needed because the bicyclist had time, as he sped by, to notice my age and lack of intelligence, allowing him to vociferously comment, with action and voice, on both in a most negative way.

Other interesting guidance provided in the bicycle provisions includes:

Section 33-19 – Right-of-Way of Pedestrians: Bicyclists using a sidewalk or crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal when overtaking or passing a pedestrian. The signal device should be clearly audible for a distance of 100 feet.

Section 33-195 – Rider Has Rights and Duties of a Pedestrian: Have you ever had to get off your bike and walk with it? You are now a pedestrian. You can expect traffic to stop for you when you are about to enter a crosswalk while walking your bike. Conversely, if you approach a crosswalk while riding your bike, you must stop to allow pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk to cross. This means you should not speed around them while they are in the crosswalk.

Section 33-202 – Acrobatic Riding: No rider of a bicycle shall remove both hands from the handlebars or feet from the pedals, or practice any acrobatic or fancy riding on any street. From my reading, this would include “wheelies,” the action of lifting the front wheel of a bicycle off the pavement and traveling any distance as a one-wheel bicycle. Unicycles might be addressed under the provision for maximum seat height allowed, 25 inches from the ground at its maximum adjustable height.

It is not guaranteed that a similar bill to SB 382 will be filed in the next legislative session, but there is a need for the universality of a state provision so that bicyclists traveling across several jurisdictions do not run afoul of common-sense, conflicting ordinances involving speed, right-of-way, audible signals and safe distances to warn pedestrians of a bicyclist’s approach.

The Health and Safety Committee of DSCA will continue to be on the lookout for additional sensible and prudent provisions as they pertain to bicycles, e-bikes and micro-mobility devices, especially provisions for enforcement.

Sarasota Code of Ordinances - Aricle V. -Bicycles

What’s Next for the Van Wezel?

On August 18, Chuck Cosler and Jim Shirley presented the Purple Ribbon Committee’s findings to the Sarasota City Commission. The Commission unanimously voted to accept the report and directed Interim City Manager Dave Bullock to return with recommendations based on its findings. 

The committee concluded that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall no longer meets the technical requirements of many current touring Broadway productions. Vice Mayor Liz Alpert and Mayor Debbie Trice echoed this conclusion, noting that while the Van Wezel has served the community well for decades, it is now obsolete—unable to host the scale and technology demanded by today’s modern, blockbuster productions. 

Importantly, it was emphasized during the discussion that work is already underway—and more is planned—to harden and improve the Van Wezel against potential weather-related damage. This effort is seen as essential, given that the design and construction of a new Performing Arts Center is expected to take approximately five years, if the project moves forward. 

The report also highlighted the importance of keeping the Van Wezel operational during this transition to support local arts organizations.

Consideration of the Van Wezel’s potential longer-term use will remain an open and ongoing discussion. No conclusions have been reached at this time.

Click here for more information.

City’s Special Event Ordinance: A Pivotal Moment for Downtown

Work continues on the City of Sarasota’s proposed Special Events Ordinance (SEO), a local law that will directly shape the future of downtown. The topic has drawn strong interest from residents, business owners, and city leadership — with the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) actively engaged in discussions alongside city staff and other stakeholders.

The stakes are high. Downtown has evolved rapidly in recent years — becoming denser, more residential, and more active throughout the week. Today, the rules that govern street closures, amplified music, alcohol service, and public safety during events must catch up to that new reality. DSCA has consistently advocated for an ordinance that reflects both sides of the equation: the importance of lively public events and the need to safeguard the livability, safety, and economic stability of a residential downtown core.

There is no doubt that well-planned events are part of Sarasota’s cultural identity and can enhance the urban experience. But getting the balance right is critical. A modern, enforceable ordinance can support vibrant programming while also protecting quality of life, emergency access, and long-term investment in the area.

As part of this effort, DSCA has submitted feedback and continues to work with city officials, residents and other stakeholders to help ensure the final ordinance reflects the changing landscape of our downtown. The current draft includes some improvements, but more work remains.

Below is a guest editorial from DSCA President David Lough, published in today’s Sarasota Herald-Tribune, that outlines key considerations in the ongoing ordinance revision process. Click here to read.

We need your voice! The DSCA 2025 Community Association Survey is now open, and your input helps shape stronger boards and better budgets across downtown Sarasota. Thank you to the buildings that have already completed it — and for those who haven’t yet, there’s still time to add your voice. 

This survey is a valuable resource for building board members, particularly when preparing annual budgets. As Ruth Firth, president of Broadway Promenade, shared, "The DSCA survey is extremely helpful particularly when sufficient buildings respond, thus making it representative of downtown Sarasota." 

We understand that building managers may sometimes need a gentle reminder from their board members to complete the survey. To help us gather as much data as possible, please consider using the link below to forward the survey to your building's manager. 
 
Click here to take the survey.

Lessons Learned:

1. Long before a storm is on its way, select and retain the vendors you will use for a next storm regarding such things as pumping flood water away, “mucking out” and removing debris, mold avoidance, and other actions likely to be needed.  Put time on your side and establish these arrangements with vendors you might need after a storm and keep arrangements current.

2. Make sure the restoration services firm you plan to use has adequate “bandwidth” to be able to handle your needs along with other customers’ needs.

3. Have a restoration-focused engineer assess your building every year - looking for any vulnerabilities.  

4. Have property documentation already prepared.  Have photos of common areas.  Make inventory lists of gym equipment, furniture, artwork, electronics and cabinetry; include all property and valuable items in every area that might be vulnerable to flood or wind damage.  Include brand names, serial numbers, model numbers, dates of purchase, costs.

5. Get drone photos of the roof - to be able to show “before” and “after”.

6. Act immediately to address damage, especially flood-caused damage.  Be able to prove that you acted as quickly as possible.  If there has been mold buildup, for example, any delay in documenting, treating and reporting damage may result in loss of coverage.  Flood policies usually do not cover mold, but if you act fast and document with photos and dates, and show the remedial actions you took, you may be able to collect.

7. Do not remove visible water lines before the adjuster comes.  Take photos and measurements.

8. Filing of FEMA “Proof of Loss” form must happen within 120 days - not after.

9. Again - document, document, document.  Take photographs, have inventory lists - be able to show “before and after” photos.

10. Have adequate storm reserves / contingency funds separate from other reserves/funds.  Avoid special assessments for repairs, if possible.

11. Talk with your insurance broker about your individual HO6 assessment coverage.  You may be able to make a claim.