Where to Get a Covid Test or Vaccine in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Covid-19 cases are continuing to surge locally, statewide and nationally—and if you need a test, vaccine or rental assistance, keep this list of local walk-up, drive-thru and medical facility testing sites and vaccination sites handy. We've also included information for how to access Covid-related aid, such as rental assistance.
For clarification, rapid tests—or antigen tests—refer to tests that detects protein fragments found specifically in Covid-19. The tests can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and can sometimes can be reported in as little as 15 minutes.
PCR tests actually detect RNA (genetic material) that is specific to the virus. Considered the "gold standard" of Covid tests, PCR tests can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those who don't have symptoms. PCR tests can be performed in a clinic, hospital, or even the car. Results are typically received in as little as 24 hours but typically up to 2-3 days; when demand is high, however—as it is now—results can take a week or longer to receive.
Testing Sites
Walk-Up Testing
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
1845 34th St., Sarasota.
PCR tests are available Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Rapid tests are available Monday-Saturday from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. No appointment necessary; free of charge.
Dallas White Park
5900 Greenwood Ave., North Port
PCR tests available Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rapid tests available Monday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bradenton Area Convention Center
1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto
PCR and rapid testing available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment necessary; free of charge.
Venice Community Center
326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice
Both PCR and rapid testing available Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment necessary; free of charge.
Covid Clinic
5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton
This walk-up testing site is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located south of the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in the Ellenton Premium outlets parking lot. Book an appointment for rapid or PCR testing here.
Drive-Thru Testing
Former Sarasota Kennel Club
5400 Old Bradenton Road, Sarasota
PCR and rapid tests available Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. No appointment needed; free of charge.
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th St., Sarasota
PCR testing offered only. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing is free; no appointment needed.
3470 17th St., Sarasota, (941) 955-7700; 5612 14th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 739-0000
Drive-up rapid tests available Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.= 2 p.m. Rapid tests cost $50; no appointment required. PCR tests are free for eligible individuals. Schedule an appointment here.
Walgreens Pharmacy
Several locations available in Sarasota-Manatee. Check here.
Free drive-thru Covid testing is available. Choose a location and appointment time online, remain in vehicle and perform nasal swab yourself under direction of pharmacy team member. Bring insurance card and valid ID. Appointments are required.
CVS Pharmacy
Several locations available in Sarasota-Manatee. Check here.
Free drive-thru and walk-in testing is available. Choose a location and appointment time online. Bring insurance card and valid ID.
Medical Facility Testing
Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Centers
Heritage Harbor, 1040 River Heritage Blvd., Bradenton, (941) 917-6440
University Parkway, 5360 University Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 917-1234
Bee Ridge, 5590 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, (941) 262-4950
St. Armands Circle, 500 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 262-4750
Stickney Point, 6331 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 917-5678
Venice, 997 U.S. 41 N. Bypass, Venice, (941) 261-4250
All locations offer walk-in and appointment Covid-19 testing for all patients. A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) will be taken for current Covid-19 infection. Staff will notify patients of results by phone within 24 to 48 hours. Testing is not free. Patients will be billed for the urgent care visit and Covid-19 test. Self-pay costs $150 plus $100 for testing and processing.
Ellenton Urgent Care
4015 U.S. Highway 301 N., Ellenton, (941) 531-2800
Call (941) 531-2800 to schedule an appointment for all Covid-19 testing. Drive-thru testing is Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Walk-in testing is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tests are not free; patients will be billed.
The Center for Urgent Care
10940 E. State Road 70, Suite 103, Lakewood Ranch, (941) 243-3088
Rapid and PCR tests are available by appointment or walk-in. Cost is $125 per test. Testing is available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vaccination Sites
Department of Health Sarasota County: Sarasota
2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 861-2900, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Department of Health Sarasota County: North Port
6950 Outreach Way, North Port, (941) 861-2900, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Manatee County Department of Health
410 6th Ave. E., Bradenton, (941) 748-4501, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; appointment required.
Mobile Vaccination Units
In partnership with the Shots in Arms Coalition, a group of community leaders focused on getting as many residents as possible vaccinated, CenterPlace Health is bringing two mobile vaccination units directly into the community. The effort targets communities where access or hesitancy is an issue; funding comes from the Covid-19 Response Initiative of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
Rental Assistance
If you are facing eviction due to the pandemic, funds are available from Sarasota and Manatee counties, as well as the state of Florida.
For assistance in Sarasota County, click here. For assistance in Manatee County, click here.
Our Florida is also providing rental and utilities assistance at ourflorida.com.
Legal Aid of Manasota can also provide legal help those facing a housing crisis who have limited income and assets. Click here for more information or call (941) 366-0038.
