Located on the eastern base of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge adjacent to Hart’s Landing. Park includes a playground, walking trails, fabric shade structures, Hart’s Landing (bait shop), gazebo, Tony Saprito Fishing Pier, benches and allows leashed pets. 

Ernest "Doc" and Eloise Werlin Park

Ernest "Doc" Werlin and Dr. Eloise Werlin shared forty wonderful years together. They had two daughters, Michele and Elle, and a grandson, Aristides. During their professional lives, Eloise was a clinical psychologist and Doc was an investment banker. In retirement, Doc and Eloise embraced Sarasota, especially its cultural activities and sense of community. After Doc’s beloved Eloise died of breast cancer, it was important to him that her life be memorialized therefore he created the Eloise Werlin Park. He wanted a space where children could play and families could come together. Doc was also interested in having his park serve Sarasota’s philanthropic efforts. He hosted fundraisers for many causes here, including the fight against cancer. Doc’s hope is that Eloise Werlin Park will continue to provide happiness to all of its visitors for generations to come.

The renaming of the Eloise Werlin Park, as the ‘Ernest “Doc” and Eloise Werlin Park’, was in recognition of Doc’s commitment, hard work, and leadership in visualizing beautifying, and promoting this park. - March 24, 2018

Amphibious Aquanaut
EVAN LEWIS
Stainless Steel

Tony Saprito Fishing Pier

The pier, located adjacent to the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation with a new concrete top deck installed and concrete pilings, caps, and light poles retrofitted. Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant railings also were installed plus six benches and three shade structures to provide relief from the intense Florida sun.

New pressure-treated composite planks are now incorporated into the deck at the foot of the pier where the surf from Sarasota Bay is strongest. To protect the structural integrity of the pier, the planks are designed to pop out during strong wave action and remain attached to the pier.

The makeover pays tribute to Sarasota Bay through creative sea life art designs placed along the railings, plus a visual reminder “Protect The Bay” imprinted at the end of the pier.

The City also partnered with Sarasota County to install a new Automated Rainfall Management System (ARMS) able to measure wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and precipitation.

Construction started in November 2020 and concluded in April 2021. The rehabilitation project was funded through the voter-approved penny surtax and is expected to further extend the pier’s longevity.

Saprito Pier opened in 1979 and remains a popular destination for fishing, walking, and enjoying a beautiful sunset on the bay.

Hart's Landing

Offers a variety of live and frozen bait for saltwater fishing in Sarasota’s Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico.