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Sarasota

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 18, 2020
Support local businesses

Great advice: ‘Calm breeds calm.’ But one of the best ways we can help beat COVID-19 is to do what Americans always do — fight back. Do what you can to keep our local economy healthy.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The directive to close schools came from the Florida Department of Education. Sarasota County schools are currently on spring break.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2020
Sarasota, Manatee schools to close through April 15

The state of Florida is ordering schools to close until at least the middle of next month. Statewide K-12 testing has been canceled.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bars such as Shamrock Pub had already canceled St. Patrick’s Day events, but a state order will now force their closure for the next 30 days.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2020
Governor orders closure of bars statewide

At a press conference today, Gov. Ron DeSantis also said the state is taking steps to limit crowds at restaurants and on beaches in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Libraries will be closed through April 12 as the county responds to the spread of COVID-19.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 17, 2020
Sarasota County libraries to close through April 12

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the county's library system will switch to digital-based services only.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The April 6 City Commission is canceled because of concerns related to COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 16, 2020
City to close recreational facilities

The City Commission agreed to close the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Bobby Jones Golf Club and more as part of a coronavirus response effort. Action on bars and restaurants could be forthcoming.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital facilities remain open, but visiting policies have been adjusted after for patients there have tested positive for COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 16, 2020
Two more Sarasota Memorial patients test positive for COVID-19

An 87-year-old man and an 80-year-old man are hospitalized and isolated after testing positive for the coronavirus March 13 and 14.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 15, 2020
Baywood Colony Westport home sells for $2.35 million

Residential real estate transactions for March 2-6.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Guest Author
  • March 14, 2020
Letter to the editor: Doctors Hospital releases first COVID-19 patient

The Sarasota hospital has discharged the first Florida patient with COVID-19 and has cleared all involved physicians and employees to return to work.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Following the second positive test, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is working to evaluate the exposure risk for workers and other individuals at the facility.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 13, 2020
Second Sarasota Memorial Hospital patient tests positive for COVID-19

A 67-year-old-Manatee County woman is the third Sarasota-linked coronavirus case announced in the past two days.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The announcement of new polling places in Sarasota comes four days before Florida’s presidential primary election.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 13, 2020
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections announces polling place changes

Sixteen polling places are being relocated for Tuesday’s primary election as an emergency measure because of concerns about COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students at Sarasota County Schools will not attend class from March 16-27.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 13, 2020
Sarasota County Schools to close the week after spring break

The school district said the directive to cancel classes the week of March 23 came from the state as Florida officials respond to coronavirus concerns.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota and Manatee County schools have both suspended athletics and other extracurricular activities.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 13, 2020
Sarasota County Schools suspends athletics until further notice

The announcement comes alongside news of all Florida schools closing through March 30.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Chuck Henry, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, urged the public to follow best practices for minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19, such as hand washing and staying home when ill.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 13, 2020
Sarasota Memorial Hospital provides update on COVID-19 patient

The hospital said a 70-year-old seasonal resident who tested positive for the coronavirus disease is “doing fine,” but health officials continue to call for more testing capacity in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Until Friday afternoon, Sarasota County Fair organizers maintained the event would open as scheduled today.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 13, 2020
Sarasota County Fair canceled

Shortly after the first day of the fair was scheduled to open to the public, organizers announced the 10-day event would close amid COVID-19 concerns.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is joining the list of venues scrapping scheduled events until the end of the month because of coronavirus-related concerns.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 13, 2020
City declares public health emergency, cancels Van Wezel events

Because of coronavirus concerns, the city of Sarasota is strongly advising all events through March 20 to cancel if they expect to draw more than 250 people.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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