Citywide Public Health Emergency Extended Through July 3rd

The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through July 3 following a weekly review, as required by the City Charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergency order issued Friday by City Manager Tom Barwin, in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and City Attorney Robert Fournier, again strongly urges the public to wear protective masks when leaving home. 

Complimentary face masks will be available for pickup by residents next week, from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday outside City Hall, 1565 First St. 

Owners and management staff of about 100 eligible local businesses have already claimed boxes of free masks distributed Friday morning at City Hall, to be used by their employees and customers.

City staff will be offering up to 50,000 free face masks to residents and visitors they encounter around the City over the next week. 

Friday’s emergency order allows for temporary street closures to continue through July 31 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. Future experimental street closures may be considered upon request.

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.