Contact:  Jason Bartolone, Communications Specialist   941-928-3988; jason.bartolone@sarasotaFL.gov

Sarasota, FL:  The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through March 19 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 Marlon Brown, in consultation with Mayor Hagen Brody 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. Lemon Avenue will be closed between Main Street and State Street from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. 

City Hall and other City buildings are now open to the public, and face coverings are required. Some offices, including Permitting, are open by appointment only. Call 941-263-6000 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.SarasotaFL.gov for online services. 

Additional resources 

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is now offering COVID-19 vaccine to those who qualify. Registration can be completed online via the department’s website or by calling 941-861-VAXS. The registration call center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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 4 p.m. or until daily testing capacity is reached. 

A state-supported, drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is available at the Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Old Bradenton Road, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until testing capacity is reached. 

Testing is open to everyone, regardless of residency or symptoms, and no appointments are necessary. For more information about state-supported testing sites and a list of frequently asked questions, visit floridadisaster.org/covid19/testing-sites. 

A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about COVID-19 is 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. 

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About the City of Sarasota:  Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as the 16^th Best Place to Live in the U.S. and the No. 1 Best Place to Retire, the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 56,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles.  Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov.