Citywide Public Health Emergency Extended Through July 17th

The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through July 17 following a weekly review, as required by the City Charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The emergency order was issued Friday by City Manager Tom Barwin, in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and City Attorney Robert Fournier. It also allows the Board of Rules and Appeals to conduct its regular quarterly meeting on Aug. 19 and the code compliance special magistrate to conduct telephone hearings on July 30 and Aug. 6, with future meetings and hearings to be provided in subsequent emergency orders. 

Face coverings are now required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in City limits, whenever proper social distancing cannot be maintained in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The temporary regulation, which took effect July 1, will be in place for 60 days. A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the face mask requirement is available at www.SarasotaFL.gov. For questions, comments or code compliance concerns regarding masks, email mandatory.mask@sarasotaFL.gov.

Do not call 911 or law enforcement dispatch. City code compliance staff will initially enforce the ordinance and issue civil citations only when necessary, with a primary focus on education and encouragement.

The City has already distributed more than 10,000 complimentary paper and cloth face masks to residents, visitors and businesses. If you or someone you know needs a free mask, email mandatory.mask@sarasotaFL.gov. 

Temporary street closures may be permitted through July in order to allow additional space for outdoor dining. A partial closure of Lemon Avenue, from Main Street to State Street, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. City buildings are open to the public by appointment only, and City business can be conducted either online via www.SarasotaFL.gov or by phone at 941-263-6000.

Additional resources

A state-run, walk-up COVID-19 testing site is available at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34^th St., every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until daily testing capacity is reached.

Testing is open to everyone, regardless of residency or symptoms, and no appointments are necessary. A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about COVID-19 is now available through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County:  941-861-2883. Subject matter experts are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The most current, official information on COVID-19 in Florida can be found at www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19.  A 24/7 hotline is also available:  1-866-779-6121. For more information, contact Jason Bartolone, Communications Specialist:  941-928-3988.