Sarasota Medieval Fair is officially on after Manatee County issues final permit
Manatee County Government officials issued a temporary use permit for the Sarasota Medieval Fair, officially allowing fair organizers to hold their event starting Saturday.
“Manatee County Building & Development Services has issued a temporary use permit, including the tent permit, for the Medieval Fair in Myakka,” County Administrator Scott Hopes said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald on Friday afternoon. “It will still be necessary for the property owner to continue the special permit application process for them to hold any future events at this property.”
The temporary permit comes the day before the fair is slated to begin. The Sarasota Medieval Fair will take place every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of November.
A team of 15 county officials met with the owner Oct. 29 for a final tour of the 47-acre property in Myakka City. After reviewing the site, inspectors said they didn’t have any concerns about public safety at the event.
“Manatee County staff has visited the site several times and determined the site is consistent with health and safety standards set forth by the county. We want to thank the property owner for working with us and we wish him great success on his event,” the county said in a release.
Throughout the process, fair organizers have remained adamant that the event would go on without a hitch. Planning around the Sarasota Medieval Fair came under fire earlier this year when a code enforcement officer accused her supervisors of allowing the development of the property without the necessary permits.
In response, the county opened an investigation into the complaints and agreed that a local permit should have been issued. Edie Ousley, a spokesperson for the fair, has maintained that the fair’s permit from the state is the only documentation needed to hold the event.
Reached for comment Friday afternoon, Ousley said she was pleased with the county’s decision allowing the fair to proceed.
“We’re happy. There are no complaints here,” said Ousley. “This is a great opportunity for people in the community to come and enjoy the 17th year of Medieval Fair.
“It’s a great economic development opportunity with individuals coming in and spending money locally. It’s just a great opportunity all around to see performers, artisans, great foods and games.”
In the weeks leading up to the event, fair organizers and county officials sparred over access to the property, which needed to be inspected before issuing permits. Hopes said he would have preferred for event staff to meet with the county earlier in the process to ensure that proper steps were taken.
“I think they’re running out of time and playing a dangerous game with the safety of the public,” Hopes said in a previous interview with the Bradenton Herald.
Instead of working with the county from the beginning, fair organizers submitted their permit application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In July, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law expanding property rights for people who own agricultural land.
While the Sarasota Medieval Fair is a form of agritourism protected by Florida law, county officials insisted on inspecting the property to ensure the safety of any structures built on the property and access for emergency vehicles.
This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 2:38 PM.
