May 12, 2021
2:15 p.m.
State-run COVID-19 testing sites in Sarasota to close
The state-run, walk-up COVID-19 testing site at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex in Sarasota will shut down at the close of business this Friday, May 14.

The state's drive-thru site at the former Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Old Bradenton Road, will stop operating at the close of business Sunday, May 16.

The closures are based on low demand, according to state officials. All state-run testing sites in Florida are expected to close by May 28.

Until the closures, free testing will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5400 Old Bradenton Road.

For more information about state-supported testing sites and a list of frequently asked questions, visit floridadisaster.org/covid19/testing-sites.

Community members are also encouraged to visit CVS, Walgreens or other local pharmacies that provide COVID-19 testing.

Since opening in May 2020, the Robert L. Taylor site has conducted more than 140,000 COVID-19 tests. The site was created through a partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida National Guard, Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota and coordinated by State Rep. Wengay Newton and NAACP Sarasota Branch President Trevor Harvey. The drive-thru site was added in December 2020.
Applications for Sarasota County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program are now available for city and county residents financially impacted by COVID-19 and seeking assistance paying rent and utilities.
 
Individuals can apply online at scgov.net/rent.

For assistance with applications, an ERAP Call Center is available at 941-861-RENT (7368). The call center will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ambassadors for the ERAP program will also be available to assist individuals with the application process at several locations throughout the county, including the following within the city limits:

  • Betty J. Johnson Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and   10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
  • Goodwill, 1781 Dr. Martin Luther King Way -  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is now offering COVID-19 vaccine at walk-up clinics with no registration or appointment necessary. For available dates, times and locations and more information, visit SarasotaHealth.org or scgov.net.
 
Information on other vaccine distribution sources in the area can be found here.

Homebound individuals can fill out an online survey or email HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com to register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in their home. For questions and assistance filling out the survey, call 866-779-6121.
Sarasota County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Call Center:
941-861-RENT (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

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

Sarasota County Vaccine Support Call Center:
941-861-VAXS (Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Saturday - Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Florida Department of Health
1-866-779-6121 (24 hours/7 days a week)
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
City Hall and other City buildings are now open to the public. Some offices, including Permitting, are open by appointment only. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, or visit www.SarasotaFL.gov for online services.
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.