ITNSuncoast, a nonprofit organization that provides transportation services in Sarasota and Manatee counties to seniors and others in need, has suspended its services effective Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.  The organization stopped accepting reservations for rides on September 15. ITNSuncoast executive director Deral Pitts says the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a shortage of volunteer drivers and the organization cannot adequately meet demand.

ITNSunCoast was founded in 2010 and has supplied thousands of rides to individuals throughout Southwest Florida who have needed help getting to doctor appointments, social services, grocery stores, drugstores, libraries, as well as to restaurants, theaters and more.

A list of transportation alternatives can be found on ITNSuncoast's website; the organization is also reaching out to users of its service through email and phone calls. Pitts says the organization hopes to regroup in the future.