More News & City Life

Public Health

City’s Playgrounds, Parks to Close Wednesday

Outdoor park areas will remain open for walking, jogging and exercise; however, citizens are urged to follow guidelines about social distancing and public gatherings.

03/24/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

Gulf Coast, Barancik Foundations Launch COVID-19 Response Initiative

The foundations announced their joint effort on Saturday, with commitments of $1.5 million to support the initiative so far.

03/24/2020 By Staff

Coronavirus

Elite Motor Works Offers Free Oil Changes for Healthcare Workers

'We see how hard healthcare workers are working, so we decided to help out,' owner Jamie Caldwell says.

03/24/2020 By Megan McDonald

Philanthropy

Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Offers Special Match Program for JFCS of the Suncoast

From now to April 19, 2020, any gift up to $500 made through the Flanzer Trust Match Program to support "JFCS-COVID 19" will be matched 2:1.

03/23/2020 By Staff

Philanthropy

Local Organizations Strengthen Season of Sharing Campaign

Matching gift opportunities of up to $500,000 are available from The Patterson Foundation for a total of $1.5 million in additional funds.

03/23/2020 By Staff

Philanthropy

Ian Black Real Estate Donates $2,500 to Support Residents Impacted by Coronavirus

The donation comes from the Ian Black Real Estate Charitable Foundation, a donor-advised fund the firm established with Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

03/23/2020 By Staff

Public Health

All Florida State Parks to Close

Limiting hours and reducing visitor capacity have not resulted in the reductions needed to protect public health, park leadership said.

03/23/2020 By Megan McDonald

Hunger

Meals on Wheels Services Confront Rising Needs Caused By COVID-19

'We are seeing a huge increase in needs,' says Amy Towery, the vice president of development at Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

03/20/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best of Sarasota

Introducing the Sarasota Hope Photo Project

We invite you to submit photos that are uplifting, remind us why we love Sarasota and the surrounding areas, and show works of beauty or acts of kindness in these troubling days.

03/19/2020

Breaking News

Sarasota, Manatee County Beaches Closed

The closures took effect in Manatee County at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 20, and in Sarasota County at 6 a.m. Saturday, March 21.

03/19/2020 By Megan McDonald

City News

County Waives Shut-Offs for Water Services Through April 13

The county is also encouraging the community to practice social distancing by using online, phone and mail bill-pay services.

03/18/2020 By Staff

Public Health

New Harvard, ProPublica Report Asks Whether Hospitals Are Ready for COVID-19

Maps and interactive data—including for the Sarasota region—show the urgency of "flattening the curve."

03/18/2020 By Megan McDonald

Closures

Sarasota County Libraries Closed; Will Offer Curbside Services

Residents can also apply for a digital library card to access the online catalog.

03/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Housing

Organization Creates Campaign for More Accessory Dwelling Units

The Helpful Hopeful Housing campaign is in response to the region's affordable housing crisis.

03/17/2020 By Staff

Closures

Historic Spanish Point, Bishop Museum to Temporarily Close

The museums join the ranks of other area organizations in trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

03/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Florida Primary

After Serving Her Time in Prison, a Sarasota Woman Goes to the Polls

Betty Riddle voted for the first time in her life at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex this morning.

03/17/2020 By Isaac Eger

Public Health

City of Sarasota Closing Recreational Facilities, Suspending Meetings

Parks and beaches are currently open, but residents should adhere to social distancing and public gathering recommendations.

03/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Closures

Selby Gardens Closes Until Further Notice

Gardens CEO Jennifer Rominiecki said the gardens would continue to pay its employees throughout the duration of the closure.

03/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Breaking News

The Ringling Closes, Effective Immediately

The museum does not have an official reopening date.

03/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Tourism

Visit Sarasota County Closes Visitor Centers, Boosts Virtual Support

Visitors can call or email, or check in with the organization on social media.

03/16/2020 By Staff