He envisions 15,000 spring breakers gyrating on the beach to tunes spun by top-notch DJs flown in from New York, L.A. and Miami. He would supply those sophisticated partiers with booze served by “beautiful people” as they danced deep into the night or chatted on “sexy lounge chairs.”

But this is Sarasota. And Miami’s party scene is not likely to appeal to the general population here.

Sarasota County officials were torn by Rush’s proposal. Events like Rush’s “Siesta Sessions” are exactly what many say the county needs to attract a younger population and diversify the all-important tourist business. But this week they decided a massive spring break party going for several days might not be the best idea during Sarasota’s peak snowbird season, and put a required permit on hold.

“I believe Sarasota is ready for these kind of events,” Rush said. “They don’t know what to expect or how it’s going to be received, so we want to have it really meticulously planned.”

The flap over the event highlights a struggle for the county as it tries to attract a younger population without alienating the retirees and other older residents that have been a mainstay here for decades.

And while something like Siesta Sessions is unprecedented for this area in terms of size and theme, county officials are sure to hit more snags as they struggle to balance the desires of both communities.

“How that’s all happening challenges a place full of 60- and 70-year-olds,” Sarasota County Administrator Jim Ley said. He added: “Me and my wife used to love going out and dancing. Now every place is full of old people.”

County officials see youth as an integral part of their push to broaden the local economic base from construction and tourism.

The county has recently thrown money into youth-targeted projects, including $1.75 million to Ringling College to help build a post-production movie facility, an undertaking intended to keep the college’s film graduates here with the lure of high-paying jobs.

The county also hopes that more than $20 million earmarked for a rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park will bring in a younger crowd. Other efforts to attract younger residents include early ideas for adding a frisbee-golf course to a park and a public debate over noise ordinances that limit live music.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a vibrant city,” County Commissioner Joe Barbetta said of Sarasota’s nightlife. “It’s a city that has the potential to be vibrant.”

But county leaders know they must balance the push for younger residents with the needs of the older population.

“People actually live on the Key; it’s not just for tourists and making money,” Commissioner Nora Patterson said. “It’s a place where residents expect some measure of ability to get on and off, to enjoy the key without it being taken over.”

The challenge of luring youth is twofold, said Matt Orr, who cofounded the technology-related business incubator the HuB. While entertainment-related changes in the county are important to woo young people, the real problem with attracting a younger crowd is the lack of jobs.

“I’ve got friends coming in and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, this place is so great,’ but they can’t get a job here,” Orr said. “I think that’s where the issue is. I have so many friends that have moved, and it’s not because they’ve wanted to.”

Rush thinks the county needs a mix of jobs and entertainment to increase the numbers of young people. He is highly optimistic his Siesta Sessions event will win approval.

“They want the event. They believe that this community needs an event like this,” he said.

County officials told him their main issue was with the timing of the event, and that they may approve the event if it is held in May.

His plans had been moving smoothly through the approval process — he got a liquor license and insurance, among other requirements — before top county officials, including Sheriff Tom Knight, got wind of it, setting off a firestorm of e-mails.

DJs and dancing on Siesta Beach, at the height of the tourist season? Where will they park? Did we approve this?

Rush and his business partner, Frank Emright, still need to add a few measures to the event to win the county’s approval — hire more off-duty deputies to monitor it, make sure the tent poles do not interfere with nesting sea turtles and provide adequate parking.

Despite all the fuss over the event, Rush, a certified dive instructor and owner of Aquarush Diving in Sarasota, said he is confident that his plans will eventually get the county’s blessing.

“It’s important to offer something like this to the younger community,” he said. “Mostly young people here move away.”

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