Oct. 16, 2020
11:05 a.m.
Citywide public health emergency extended through Oct. 23
The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through Oct. 23 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 also 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 strongly encouraged 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 face covering ordinance is in effect through Oct. 28.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the face mask ordinance is available at www.SarasotaFL.gov. For questions, email mandatory.mask@sarasotaFL.gov.

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.

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All Faiths Food Bank
941-379-6333
Meals On Wheels
941-366-6693
Senior Friendship Centers
941-955-2122
United Way
Call: 2-1-1 or Text zip code to 893211
Sarasota County CARES Funds Call Center:
941-861-CARE (2273) (Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

Sarasota County Health Department:
941-861-2883 (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Florida Department of Health
1-866-779-6121 (24 hours/7 days a week)
Open:

City of Sarasota buildings are open on a by-appointment basis only. To conduct business with the City, please send inquiries via email. Contacts and email addresses are available on www.SarasotaFL.Gov. Or call: 941-263-6000.

Arlington Park Aquatic Complex, Bird Key Park parking lot, Payne Park Skate Park, Lido Beach, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall box office, Bobby Jones Golf Club Nature Trails, Robert L. Taylor Community Complex pickleball and fitness area, all City tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing piers, dog parks and outdoor spaces are open to the public. Proper social distancing, as directed by the CDC, must be followed.  

Closed:

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex athletic field is closed.
City buildings are closed to the public. Please request services online at www.SarasotaFL.Gov or via the following phone numbers:
Building Permits
941-263-6455

City Commission Office
941-263-6412

City Manager Office
941-263-6402

Code Compliance
941-263-6417

Development Services
941-263-6449

Economic Development
941-263-6280
Parking Division
941-263-6475

Parks & Recreation
941-263-6758

Sarasota Police - Front Desk
941-263-6025

Solid Waste/Garbage Collection
941-263-6170

Van Wezel - Box Office
941-263-6799

Water Billing
941-263-6260; 941-263-6261
For questions regarding Sarasota County services including SCAT, please contact the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000.