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Project Description
The City of Sarasota is developing plans and early designs for new dock locations to support a future water transit service. This new service will offer residents and visitors a convenient new way to travel, reduce congestion, and create a unique way to enjoy Sarasota's waterfront.
In July 2026, the City launched a study to understand how people will travel between the new docks and their final destinations. This assessment will consider parking, pick-up and drop-off locations, micromobility options, pedestrian and bike access, and connections to existing transit. The study will result in practical strategies to ensure seamless, safe, and ADA access between the water transit service and surrounding neighborhoods, parks, and activity centers.
Do you have questions about the Water Transit Access & Mobility Study? Please contact Nina Venter at wenonah.venter@SarasotaFL.gov
Proposed Dock Locations
Previous Studies
This access and mobility study builds on several earlier efforts by the City of Sarasota to evaluate dock locations and establish a water transit service.
2025 Water Transit Planning & Design The City conducted site assessments and environmental reviews, coordinated with regulatory agencies, and completed early dock designs. Technical surveys of water depth and soil conditions were also performed to prepare for the environmental permitting process at two proposed dock locations: O'Leary's at Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park on City Island. A public meeting was held on June 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM at Bayfront Community Center. Do you have questions about the 2025 Water Transit Planning & Design? Please contact Andrew Neuhaus at andrew.neuhaus@SarasotaFL.gov
2023 Water Taxi Feasibility Study This study looked at potential dock sites, points of interest, environmental considerations, and permitting requirements. Three initial locations were identified, including Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park, with two additional sites noted for future expansion.
Background
The proposed water transit service builds on long-standing local and regional goals to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and expand transportation options in Sarasota.
City of Sarasota Comprehensive Plan The City's Transportation Chapter includes a commitment to pursue funding for water transit connecting downtown Sarasota with the barrier islands and other busy destinations along Sarasota Bay.
2020 Sarasota in Motion The City's transportation master plan identifies water transit as an important project for expanding travel choices.
2019 Sarasota/Manatee Barrier Island Traffic Study The Florida Department of Transportation identified water shuttles as an opportunity to help relieve congestion on and off the barrier islands. A connection between Sarasota and City Island was specifically highlighted.
2005 Water Transit Feasibility Study The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization identified Downtown Sarasota and City Island as priority locations for piloting water transit service.
2003 Code of Ordinances The City updated its Code to support alternative transportation options, including water ferry services.
Project Description
The City of Sarasota is developing plans and early designs for new dock locations to support a future water transit service. This new service will offer residents and visitors a convenient new way to travel, reduce congestion, and create a unique way to enjoy Sarasota's waterfront.
In July 2026, the City launched a study to understand how people will travel between the new docks and their final destinations. This assessment will consider parking, pick-up and drop-off locations, micromobility options, pedestrian and bike access, and connections to existing transit. The study will result in practical strategies to ensure seamless, safe, and ADA access between the water transit service and surrounding neighborhoods, parks, and activity centers.
Do you have questions about the Water Transit Access & Mobility Study? Please contact Nina Venter at wenonah.venter@SarasotaFL.gov
Proposed Dock Locations
Previous Studies
This access and mobility study builds on several earlier efforts by the City of Sarasota to evaluate dock locations and establish a water transit service.
2025 Water Transit Planning & Design The City conducted site assessments and environmental reviews, coordinated with regulatory agencies, and completed early dock designs. Technical surveys of water depth and soil conditions were also performed to prepare for the environmental permitting process at two proposed dock locations: O'Leary's at Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park on City Island. A public meeting was held on June 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM at Bayfront Community Center. Do you have questions about the 2025 Water Transit Planning & Design? Please contact Andrew Neuhaus at andrew.neuhaus@SarasotaFL.gov
2023 Water Taxi Feasibility Study This study looked at potential dock sites, points of interest, environmental considerations, and permitting requirements. Three initial locations were identified, including Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park, with two additional sites noted for future expansion.
Background
The proposed water transit service builds on long-standing local and regional goals to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and expand transportation options in Sarasota.
City of Sarasota Comprehensive Plan The City's Transportation Chapter includes a commitment to pursue funding for water transit connecting downtown Sarasota with the barrier islands and other busy destinations along Sarasota Bay.
2020 Sarasota in Motion The City's transportation master plan identifies water transit as an important project for expanding travel choices.
2019 Sarasota/Manatee Barrier Island Traffic Study The Florida Department of Transportation identified water shuttles as an opportunity to help relieve congestion on and off the barrier islands. A connection between Sarasota and City Island was specifically highlighted.
2005 Water Transit Feasibility Study The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization identified Downtown Sarasota and City Island as priority locations for piloting water transit service.
2003 Code of Ordinances The City updated its Code to support alternative transportation options, including water ferry services.
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Sarasota is exploring adding a water taxi to connect downtown to one of the city’s most popular parks on Lido Key.
Sarasota is exploring adding a water taxi to connect downtown to one of the city’s most popular parks on Lido Key.
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SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Fun, Smart, Talk. Our take on what’s making headlines on the Suncoast.
Today, one of our Hot Topics included a discussion about the city of Sarasota saying the timeline for a water taxi across Sarasota Bay could be another decade.
If you have ideas for what topics we should discuss next, email us at suncoastview@mysuncoast.com!
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Fun, Smart, Talk. Our take on what’s making headlines on the Suncoast.
Today, one of our Hot Topics included a discussion about the city of Sarasota saying the timeline for a water taxi across Sarasota Bay could be another decade.
If you have ideas for what topics we should discuss next, email us at suncoastview@mysuncoast.com!
Share Want to take a water taxi across Sarasota Bay? You might be waiting awhile. on FacebookShare Want to take a water taxi across Sarasota Bay? You might be waiting awhile. on X (formerly Twitter)Share Want to take a water taxi across Sarasota Bay? You might be waiting awhile. on LinkedinEmail Want to take a water taxi across Sarasota Bay? You might be waiting awhile. link
Design for water transit has reached the 30% stage as dock site selection at Bayfront and Ken Thompson parks defines terminal locations.
Design for water transit has reached the 30% stage as dock site selection at Bayfront and Ken Thompson parks defines terminal locations.
Proposed Dock Locations
