Health & Fitness

Vaccination

Empath Health Announces Vaccine Policy

The vaccine policy is an initiative of Empath Health senior leadership in consultation with clinical experts and endorsement from the board of directors.

08/24/2021 By Staff

Covid-19

What's the Difference Between a Covid Vaccine Booster and a Third Dose?

Covid-19 booster vaccines are different from a third mRNA shot. The latter is now being administered to the immunocompromised.

08/24/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Local Organizations Sponsor Free Community Vaccine Clinics This Week

The clinics will take place on Saturday at Church of the Cross and Sunday at the Newtown-North Sarasota Redevelopment Office.

08/23/2021 By Staff

Breaking News

Sarasota School Board Approves Mask Mandate With Limited Exemptions

The measure will stay in place for 90 days, or until Sarasota County's Covid-19 test positivity rate falls.

08/20/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philanthropy

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Receives $250,000 Gift

The donation, from Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse, will be used to help SMH respond to the current surge of Covid-19 cases

08/20/2021 By Staff

Education

Florida Scholarship to Help Bullied Kids May Now Go Toward 'Covid Harassment'

The Hope Scholarship helps bullied children transfer schools. Now, the taxpayer-funded Florida program may help children transfer to a private school if they are bullied for wearing—or not wearing—a mask at school.

08/20/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Covid-19

Does the Covid Lambda Variant Pose a Threat to Sarasota?

The Lambda variant is present in Florida—however, it's only a "variant of interest," not a "variant of concern," according to the CDC.

08/18/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Will Roll Out Next Month in U.S.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that boosters will be available for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

08/18/2021 By Megan McDonald

Your Health Questions Answered

What Exactly Is Everesting?

The cycling challenge gained popularity during Covid-19 lockdowns, but it's still being tackled by amateurs and pros. Here's how to get started.

08/18/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Sarasota Memorial's Covid-19 Patient Census Is the Highest It's Ever Been

Of the 239 Covid-positive patients in the hospital, 52 are in the ICU and 34 are on ventilators; 89 percent of them are unvaccinated.

08/17/2021 By Megan McDonald

Breaking News

Manatee County School Board Approves Mask Mandate

The mandate will remain in place until Wednesday, Aug. 25, but children and employees will be allowed to opt out.

08/16/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Fitness

University Town Center Will Host a Free Outdoor Fitness Series

Starting Saturday, Sept. 4, local fitness instructors will lead weekly classes covering a variety of different types of exercise.

08/16/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Coronavirus

How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get Vaccinated After Having Covid?

The short answer: about a month. Here's some more info from local and national sources.

08/12/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Food News

How Sarasota Restaurants Are Navigating a Labor Shortage

Wages are rising and more restaurants are offering benefits and other bonuses—but servers and cooks remain scarce.

08/11/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Covid-19

Sarasota County Schools Announces New Safety Protocols

A rise in pediatric Covid-19 cases has caused the district to make changes to its safety measures.

08/11/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Back to School

Here’s What You Need to Know About Covid-19 School Safety Protocols

Sarasota County Schools superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen on what families can expect.

08/11/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Your Health Questions Answered

What Are the Benefits of Eating Seasonal Produce?

Alyson Noune of Jessica's Organic Farm weighs in.

08/11/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

La Primavera Supermarket to Host Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Aug. 21

The walk-up clinic will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; the Pfizer vaccine will be available for those ages 12 and older. No appointments are necessary; bilingual Spanish speakers will be on site to help coordinate.

08/10/2021 By Staff

The Pandemic

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Reports Record Number of Covid Patients

The hospital currently has 201 Covid-positive patients—the highest number since the pandemic began last March.

08/10/2021 By Megan McDonald

Covid-19

Covid-19 Testing Site Returns to Robert L. Taylor Center

The free walk-up testing site will be available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

08/06/2021 By Staff