Business in Parks

Concessionaires

Sarasota County offers five unique concessions throughout the county. These concessions are located at North Jetty Park, Nokomis Beach, Venice Beach, Snook Haven Park, and Siesta Beach Park. Each concession offers a wide variety of food, drinks and wonderful views. Save room for a tasty treat at any of these unique concession menus.

Mobile Vending Permit Program

Sarasota County endeavors to provide and promote opportunities for commercial mobile vending and guided tour/rental opportunities within parks. The MVP program will enhance visitor experiences while supporting the compatible use of designated parks.

Sports Tourism and Events

Sports tourism is one of the most impactful drivers of visitation and economic growth in Sarasota County. Our parks system supports this important sector by providing world-class facilities, as well as direct assistance with event planning and logistics. The newly launched Sports Tourism Ambassador Program provides events with local volunteers to enhance the experience for visiting athletes and fans.

Commercial Recreation and Tour Operators

Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and Turtle Beach Park play host to the only permitted CRTO concession operation. A CRTO is defined as any person/business, which is properly permitted, that provides launches of non-motorized water vessel tours, rentals, lessons or offers any other type of ecotourism activity. Click here for the permitted vendors. Please visit scgov.net (keyword: procurement) to register to receive notifications on future concession opportunities.

Other Opportunities for Business in Parks

In order for a commercial entity to operate within a Sarasota County park, a business or individual must be properly permitted for the activity.  All services for remuneration are prohibited in parks, unless otherwise permitted, regardless of where the transaction or payment occurs.

For more information, email parksonline@scgov.net.