Citywide public health emergency extended through Sept. 11 |
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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.
Additional resources
Rental assistance will be available for residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Office of Housing and Community Development, a joint office of the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County. The application webpage will be activated and open to the public at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. Program eligibility and requirements can be reviewed online now.
A state-run, walk-up COVID-19 testing site is available at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th 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.
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All Faiths Food Bank
941-379-6333
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Meals On Wheels
941-366-6693
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Senior Friendship Centers
941-955-2122
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United Way
Call: 2-1-1 or Text zip code to 893211
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Resources for small business owners and employees impacted by COVID-19:
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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)
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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.
The Sarasota Police Department is providing public safety services around the clock and will respond to emergency calls as usual. For other non-emergency calls, Chief DiPino has instituted a temporary Telephone Reporting Unit that will be operated by a sworn officer daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed:
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex athletic field is closed.
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City buildings are closed to the public. Please request services online at www.SarasotaFL.Gov or via the following phone numbers:
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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
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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
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For questions regarding Sarasota County services including SCAT, please contact the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000. |
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