Business

State Activates Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The bridge loan program will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experience economic injury from COVID-19.

03/19/2020 By Staff

Update

Asolo Rep Cancels Remainder of Season, and Other Arts-Related Closings News

All of our area's arts organizations are deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/19/2020 By Kay Kipling

Economy

Florida Small Businesses Can Now Apply for Disaster Relief Loans

The SBA is offering Economic Disaster Injury Loans of up to $2 million for Florida's small businesses and nonprofits.

03/19/2020 By Staff

Eat Green

Worden Farm Extends Organic Veggie Box Deliveries Through April 15

While the Sarasota Farmers Market is closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Worden Farm is offering an opportunity to stock up on locally grown, organic produce.

03/19/2020 By Allison Forsyth

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

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

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

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

Public Health

Sarasota Simulators Used for COVID-19 Training

CAE Healthcare has created a downloadable “Simulated Clinical Experience” (SCE) that can be used to recreate the symptoms and behaviors of a sick patient.

03/15/2020 By Hannah Wallace