New Floating Day Docks Located on the South Side of the Centennial Park Boat Basin Now Open for Public Use

The new floating day docks, located on the south side of the Centennial Park boat basin, just north of 10th Street, are now open for public use.

The intended use of these new day docks is to enable short-term access to the City of Sarasota and to The Bay park site from the water – a desirable feature for many residents and visitors to the area.

The Bay Park Conservancy, a long-term partner of the City, led the design and construction of the new docks. The City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for their ongoing operation and maintenance, ensuring the facility remains safe and accessible for the public.

The new docks are floating structures, widely recognized as a best practice in coastal infrastructure. Unlike fixed docks, floating docks rise and fall with daily tides, storm surge, and long-term sea level changes. This adaptability provides consistent and safer access for boaters while reducing long-term maintenance needs and improving resilience during severe weather events.

Docking is currently free of charge. However, a five-hour maximum time limit is strictly enforced. Boaters who exceed the time limit will be subject to citations. While there is no fee at this time, parking fees may be implemented in the future.

Docking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity varies depending on the size of vessels docking at any given time. The docks were designed to accommodate 13 or more boats measuring approximately 26 feet in length, and vessels up to 40 feet long are permitted.

Overnight docking is not allowed between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., when the park is closed. The City of Sarasota Parking Division is responsible for enforcing docking hours and time limits.

To maximize navigational space near the boat ramps, cleats were not installed on the dock area directly across from the ramps, based on recommendations from a Working Group.

Please comply with the following City of Sarasota Day Dock Use Guidelines:

• 5-Hour Maximum Time Limit. Parking fines will apply.

• Boat Size up to 40 feet

• No jet skis, personal watercraft, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, or dinghies

• No Overnight Docking between 11:00pm-5:00am, when the park is closed.

• Not responsible for lost or stolen items

• Dock surface may be slippery

• Floating dock moves with tide