Special Local Regulation; Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix; Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, FL

Resumo

The Coast Guard is amending the permanent special local regulations for the Suncoast Offshore Challenge and the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix in the Gulf of Mexico near Sarasota, Florida. Reflected in the existing permanent special local regulations, these two races have nearly identical course and time characteristics, however, one event used to be held annually on the first Saturday of July and the other event is held annually on the first Sunday of July. The sponsor has decided to combine the events into a single day, reduce the length of the racecourse, and modify the time of the event. Due to recent shoaling north of New Pass, it is necessary to amend the existing language to close New Pass and open Big Sarasota Pass to traffic. The changes are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event.