Sarasota County cancels large events, citing COVID-19 concerns

Sarasota County is canceling all events anticipated to draw more than 250 individuals to county facilities for the next 30 days, an initiative designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The county’s announcement came following a recommendation Thursday from Gov. Ron DeSantis to limit or postpone “mass gatherings” across the state as part of a social distancing effort.

A list of canceled events is available on the county website and will be updated regularly.

The county is also working to disinfect communal areas in public places, including computers at libraries and Sarasota County Area Transit buses, the release stated.

The release said the county is working to reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus disease among the general public, but noted individuals over 60 and with underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

At a press conference Friday, Sarasota County administrator Jonathan Lewis said county-owned venues run by a private operator were not required to comply with the restriction on large events. Still, Nathan Benderson Park operator Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates announced it would be following the policy and postponing or adjusting event plans.

The Observer is collecting and regularly updating a list of local events that have been canceled or postponed because of coronavirus concerns.

This article has been updated with a list of canceled events and information about cancellations at Nathan Benderson Park.