Citywide Public Health Emergency Extended Through Sept. 11

Sarasota, FL:  The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through Sept. 11 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.

The City’s temporary street closure program allows additional space for outdoor dining to help restaurants and retailers severely impacted by the pandemic. A partial closure of Lemon Avenue, from Main Street to State Street, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Face coverings are now required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in the City limits, whenever proper social distancing cannot be maintained in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The temporary face covering is in effect through Oct. 28.

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 distributed more than 40,000 complimentary paper and cloth face masks to residents, visitors and businesses, with more available. If you or someone you know needs a free mask, email mandatory.mask@sarasotaFL.gov.

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.