Expect closures, delays over July 4 weekend

Sarasota beaches will be buzzing with activity over the July 4 weekend, which will result in certain restrictions and closures. 

The 38th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix will be held July 1-2 at Lido Beach, and the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular is set for Tuesday, July 4, at Bayfront Park, 1 Marina Plaza. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Parking lots at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall between Van Wezel Way and 10th Street will be closed from midnight June 29 until 10 p.m. July 2. The P-1 Racing Pit party will be held from 6-11 p.m. June 30 in the Van Wezel Parking lot.

Because of limited parking spaces, carpooling is encouraged, and illegally parked vehicles are subject to ticketing. Vehicles blocking private driveways are subject to towing. Anticipate long delays from the beach area after the races. When leaving the beach viewing area, expect an exit time of more than one hour.

The Centennial Park boat ramp will also be closed midnight June 29 until 10 p.m. July 2. This will be the staging area for the Powerboat Grand Prix. Suggested alternate boat ramps include Ken Thompson Park on City Island and various boat ramps in Manatee County and southern Sarasota County.

On the water, New Pass west of New Pass Bridge will be closed July 1 and 2 during the boat races.

On July 4, U.S. 41 will be closed between Orange and Gulfstream avenues from 7-11:30 p.m. The parking lot at Bayfront Park will be closed once it has reached capacity. No parking will be allowed on the south end of Bayfront Park. Parking will also be prohibited in the median of John Ringling Boulevard.

Vehicle traffic leaving the bayfront and downtown areas following the fireworks will be subject to traffic control measures. Expect long traffic delays of up to one hour when exiting the event.