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Sarasota

Forty patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital this month.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 31, 2020
Third COVID-19 patient dies at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

A 28-year-old in Sarasota County is the youngest identified coronavirus death in Florida. Two additional hospital workers have also tested positive for the disease.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 31, 2020
Sarasota schools to remain closed through May 1

The district was originally set to learn online through April 15.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The City Auditor and Clerk's office is currently accepting limited development applications by mail.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2020
City freezes development permit, application timelines

The city of Sarasota is extending permit expiration dates and deadlines for reviewing pending applications. The city is also closing the Van Wezel through April 26.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • March 30, 2020
Robert “Fred” Ruth Jr.

Robert “Fred” Ruth Jr., age 95, of Sarasota, Florida passed away on March 26, 2020.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
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
    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
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
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
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
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 26, 2020
Drive-thru COVID-19 testing begins Friday in Sarasota County

Visitors to the site must be referred by a physician to be tested.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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