Off-road park opens in Charlotte County

A new place for off-roaders just opened up in Charlotte County.

Eleven-year-old Lincoln Lawton has the need for speed, but finding a space to let him rev his engine has been bringing him a screeching halt.

“The tracks I go to, they only have one track and it is for all of the bikes,” he said.

He isn’t alone. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said deputies regularly respond to complaints about off-roaders riding on vacant land in The Ranchettes and Deep Creek. North Port police have the same story with riders off Yorkshire Street. All of these areas popular with off-roaders are east of I-75.

“I used to ride out there a lot. Now it’s more restricted because you’re riding on land that you don’t own, really,” said David Hansen of North Port.

That’s why Max Vega-Sanz, owner of the Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park, says land off Bermont Road in Punta Gorda is perfect for his super-charged project.

“We cater to the off-road community, from dirt bikes and four-wheelers to side-by-side‘s and mega trucks,” he said.

The Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park is Florida’s largest, with six tracks and more than 25 miles of trails on more than 1,000 acres.

“It’s good to get your family and friends together,” Hansen said. “Even if we are not riding, we sit out, we can talk to each other.”

It’s a new spot for families or solo riders, young and old.

“Just to be safe and have fun,” Lincoln said.

The park’s grand opening runs through Monday. Helmets and motocross boots are required on the tracks, while helmets are recommended on the trails.

The Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park is located at 39450 Bermont Rd., about five miles west of SR-31.