The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art announced this afternoon that it has closed to the public effective March 16, 2020 at 5 p.m. in an effort to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. A reopening date will be announced. As of this afternoon, there are 137 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Florida residents. Five of those cases are in Manatee County (two men and three women, ranging in age from 62-81); three are in Sarasota County (two men, one woman, ranging in age from 50-87).