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News

Vacation rentals, such as one listed on Airbnb, will be closed for two weeks.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 30, 2020
Sarasota County closes vacation rentals, leaves boat ramps open

Following a statewide directive, the county closes its vacation rental properties for two weeks. Noncompliance could result in a 2nd degree misdemeanor.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Publix has announced it will help its tenants that are struggling due to COVID-19 closures by suspending rent for two months.
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • March 30, 2020
Publix offers rent relief to its tenants, including those in Lakewood Ranch area

Lakewood Ranch area businesses benefit from Publix waiving rent for its tenants that are struggling due to COVID-19.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 30, 2020
Event cancellations, postponements due to coronavirus concerns

This list will be updated regularly.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital said COVID-19 is having a growing effect on the health system and the Sarasota community.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 29, 2020
Second COVID-19 patient dies at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

The hospital also announced four workers tested positive for the coronavirus disease. Twenty-four COVID-19 patients are hospitalized at the facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has diagnosed 30 individuals with COVID-19 this month.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 28, 2020
Sarasota Memorial Hospital worker tests positive for COVID-19

The employee had no known exposure to a positive COVID-19 patient at the hospital. Sixteen COVID-19 patients are hospitalized at Sarasota Memorial.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bird Key Park
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 28, 2020
City to close boat ramps, Bird Key Park parking lot

The city of Sarasota is advocating for a regional safer-at-home order and asking the state to provide more detailed COVID-19 testing data.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 28, 2020
Sarasota County pauses drive-thru COVID-19 testing until Tuesday

Unable to fill all its appointment slots, the Sarasota County Department of Health said the pause will conserve resources.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 27, 2020
Sending positive messages to students in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch schools celebrate kickoff of e-learning with parades

  • East County
  • News
Goodwill stores in Sarasota and Manatee counties will lay off more than half their employees.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 27, 2020
Goodwill Manasota lays off more than half its workforce

Goodwill Manasota in Sarasota and Manatee counties lays off more than half its workforce

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County Fire Chief Mike Regnier speaks at a press conference today about COVID-19 alongside Assistant Chief Carson Sanders. Image courtesy Sarasota County.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 27, 2020
Sarasota firefighter tests positive for COVID-19

County Fire Chief Mike Regnier discussed the department’s safety protocols at a press conference today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center needs personal protection equipment for its health care professionals. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 27, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center accepting safety supplies, donations

N95 masks and other supplies will help protect workers against COVID-19.

  • East County
  • News
Suncoast Science Center employees are looking for volunteers to help make masks.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 27, 2020
Suncoast Science Center requests PPE needs, volunteers

The center hopes to make shields and masks to provide to non-primary healthcare facilities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key firefighter and paramedic David Oliger is dressed in protective gear to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 27, 2020
Longboat Key first responders take precautions amid coronavirus pandemic

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department is taking several precautionary measures to protect first responders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Walk-ups weren't allowed at the collection site, but motorcycles obviously were OK.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 26, 2020
Manatee County opens drive-thru COVID-19 sample collection

COVID-19 sample collection begins at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • News
Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch has asked to hold a special emergency meeting to discuss the city's ongoing COVID-19 response.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 26, 2020
City prohibits social gatherings with 10 or more people

The city has authorized the Sarasota Police Department to break up gatherings and issue citations to those who do not comply. The city's mayor is advocating for a statewide shelter-in-place order.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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