News & City Life

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

Education

Sarasota County Schools Will Provide Drive-Thru Meal Services for Students

Meals will be offered at five local schools every week until schools re-open.

03/16/2020 Photography 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

Elections

Supervisor of Elections Announces New Emergency Polling Place Change

The new locations—an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19—are effective for tomorrow's presidential preference primary.

03/16/2020 By Staff

Breaking News

Mote Closes Until Further Notice

The closure is effective immediately; animal care will continue 24/7.

03/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Public Health

CDC Recommends Cancellations of Events of More Than 50 People

According to the Florida Department of Health, 136 Floridians have tested positive for COVID-19 and six have been diagnosed and are isolated outside of Florida.

03/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Education

Sarasota, Manatee County Schools to Close Through March 30

School districts around the state will keep students home for an extra week following spring break.

03/13/2020 By Megan McDonald

Fast Track

Aviva Appoints New Chief Development Officer

In her new role, Ann Logan will serve as the organization’s major gift fundraiser.

03/13/2020 By Staff

Let's Cruise

Sarasota's Cruise Car Completes DHS Contract

Cruise Car's contract was to supply the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with 19 custom van carts.

03/13/2020 By Staff

Public Health

2020 Sarasota Film Festival Cancelled

SFF officials said they will look to reschedule the event at a time "when the public can safely attend large-scale events."

03/13/2020 By Megan McDonald

Public Health

City of Sarasota Declares a Public Health Emergency

The Sarasota Farmers Market will close this Saturday, and the Van Wezel will reschedule all performances through March 31.

03/13/2020 By Megan McDonald

Public Health

All Events of More Than 250 People at County Facilities Cancelled

The move is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

03/13/2020 By Megan McDonald

Economy

DeSantis Activates Emergency Business Damage Assessment Survey for Coronavirus

The survey will evaluate the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so implementation of relief programs can begin.

03/12/2020 By Staff

Public Health

DeSantis Urges Organizations to Postpone Large Gatherings to Prevent Coronavirus

The remainder of the Florida spring training season is expected to be cancelled, and colleges and universities are extending spring break and instituting remote learning procedures.

03/12/2020 By Megan McDonald