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

Breaking News

DeSantis Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Elective Medical Procedures

These procedures are defined as "medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedures or surgery which, if delayed, does not place a patient's immediate health, safety or wellbeing at risk."

03/20/2020 By Megan McDonald

Breaking News

DeSantis Directs Restaurants, Fitness Centers to Close

Restaurants are able to keep kitchens open to provide take-out and delivery.

03/20/2020 By Megan McDonald

Breaking News

Healthcare Foundation Approves More Than $1 Million in Grants to Help Fight COVID-19

Funds will be directed toward the purchase of ventilators, infectious disease testing equipment, cleaning robots and more.

03/20/2020 By Megan McDonald

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

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

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

Breaking News

DeSantis Orders Bars and Night Clubs to Close; Restricts Restaurants to Half Capacity

Several local restaurants had already started to adopt new ways of operating before the governor's order this morning.

03/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

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

Breaking News

Mote Closes Until Further Notice

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

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

That's The Way the Cookie Crumbles

Girl Scout Cookie Sales Will Continue...Kind Of

In addition to neighborhood walkabouts, Girl Scouts have been permitted to sell through Facebook and Nextdoor due to coronavirus.

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

Public Health

Sarasota Department of Health Sets Up COVID-19 Call Center

County residents who believe they may have COVID-19 are asked to call the Sarasota call center *before* visiting health care providers.

03/13/2020 By Megan McDonald

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