2017 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Road Closures Announced

SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is a big part of the 4th of July weekend around Sarasota County.

However, with thousands of people traveling to Sarasota for the event, the Sarasota Police Department announced road closings and other safety information for the 2017 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix.

Here’s what area residents and visitors need to know before you go to the 2017 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix.

Road Closures

The following roads will be closed at the following dates and times:

• 10th Street from U.S. Highway 41 to Sarasota Bay – Thursday, June 29 at 7 p.m. until Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m.
• Lemon Avenue from First Street to State Street – Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. until Friday, June 30 at midnight
• Van Wezel Way from East End to 10th Street – Friday, June 30 at 3:30 p.m. to Friday, June 30 at 11 p.m.
• Central Avenue from Main Street to First Street – Friday, June 30 at 3:30 p.m. to Friday, June 30 at 11 p.m.
• Pineapple Avenue from State Street to First Street – Friday, June 30 at 3:30 p.m. to Friday, June 30 at 11 p.m.
• Main Street from Orange Avenue to Palm Avenue – Friday, June 30 at 3:30 p.m. to Friday, June 30 at midnight

Centennial Park / Boat Ramp Closures

Centennial Park will be closed from Thursday, June 29 at 11:59 p.m. to Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m. The area will be used as the staging area for the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix.

There will be no boat ramp access during this time. The City of Sarasota recommended for recreational boaters to use the boat ramp in Ken Thompson Park next to the Mote Marine Laboratory on City Island as an alternative.

New Pass Closure

New Pass will be closed on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pass will be closed west of the New Pass Bridge. Boaters will be able to access the cove during this time.

Race Day Information

Any race stoppages will be announced on VHF Channel 16. Boaters can turn into the live street at AquaX Races at www.facebook.com/P1AquaX or PowerBoat Races at www.facebook.com/P1SuperStock. The races will also be broadcast on 105.9 FM.

Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay 2017

The Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay takes place on Tuesday, July 4 starting approximately at 9 p.m. Viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. The following road closures and parking limitations will take place during the event:

• Bayfront Drive (U.S. Highway 41) from Gulfstream Avenue to Orange Avenue will close at 7 p.m. and will remain closed until approximately 11 p.m.
• Parking lot at Bayfront Park/Island Park will be closed when the parking lot has reached maximum capacity. No parking will be permitted on the grass area on the south end of Bayfront.
• Palm Avenue Garage and State Street Garage – Additional parking will be available at both of these parking garages.

Vehicle traffic leaving the Bayfront/Downtown area following the 4th of July fireworks will be subject to certain restricted traffic control measures. Expect long traffic delays up to one hour upon exit from the event area.

AAA Tow To Go Program

The AAA Tow To Go Program will be offered throughout Florida, Georgia and Tennessee to make sure those who celebrate the holiday get home safely. The free, confidential, local ride is within a 10-mile radius to a safe location. The program is offered from Friday, June 30 until Wednesday, July 5 at 6 a.m.

For more information, call (855) TOW-2-GO or visit https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/safety/tow_to_go.aspx.

Image courtesy of Sarasota Police Department Facebook Page