March 24, 2020
6 p.m.
Playgrounds, parks amenities to close Wed., March 25
To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, City Manager Tom Barwin issued an emergency order this afternoon closing amenities at public parks throughout the city limits effective at 9 a.m. Wed., March 25. Amenities include playgrounds, tennis courts and basketball courts at the City's more than 50 parks and facilities.

Outdoor areas within the parks will remain open to the public for exercise and relaxation. Families are respectfully asked and urged to comply with the social distancing guidelines set forth by federal and state health officials, including maintaining at least 6 feet between individuals and keeping gatherings at 10 or fewer people.

The local public health emergency is in effect through Friday, March 27 and will be evaluated weekly.

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Closed:
All City of Sarasota buildings are closed to the public. Most operations and services are continuing with staff working remotely and a limited number of employees on-site. All recreational facilities are closed.

To conduct business with the City, please send inquiries via email . Contacts and email addresses are available on www.SarasotaFL.Gov . Or call: 941-263-6000 .

Open:

Boat ramps, fishing piers and outdoor spaces remain open to the public with the advisory that individuals should use their best personal judgment and adhere to the CDC's recommended social separation of at least 6 feet and the City's prohibition of 10 or more people gathered.

The Sarasota Police Department is providing public safety services around the clock and will respond to emergency calls as usual. For other non-emergency calls, Chief DiPino has instituted a temporary Telephone Reporting Unit that will be operated by a sworn officer daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Van Wezel Schedule:

Staff are working diligently to reschedule performances at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Here's the most up-to-date information:

  • An American in Paris (March 16, 2020) – New date of June 16, 2020 is being considered, to be announced soon.

  • The Choir of Man (March 17, 2020) – New date is January 28, 2021

  • John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: A Tribute to Nat King Cole and the Ladies of Song (March 18, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule their performance when possible.

  • America (March 19, 2020) – New date to be announced

  • Harry Connick, Jr. True Love: An Intimate Performance (March 20, 2020) – Canceled

  • Itzhak Perlman in Recital (March 21, 2020) – New date is March 8, 2021

  • An Intimate Evening with David Foster: HITMAN Tour Featuring Special Guest Katharine McPhee (March 22, 2020) – New date is January 31, 2021

  • Up, Up and Away starring Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. (March 24, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule their performance when possible.

  • An Evening with Bruce Hornsby (March 29, 2020) – New date is November 17, 2020

  • The Pointer Sisters (April 2, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule their performance when possible.

  • Jackie Evancho (April 3, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule her performance when possible.

  • Terry Fator: It Starts Tonight (April 10, 2020) – New date is January 16, 2021

  • Reza: Edge of Illusion (April 11, 2020) – New date is January 25, 2021

  • Johnny Mathis – The Voice of Romance Tour (April 16, 2020) – New date is April 14, 2021

  • An Evening with Chris Botti (April 19, 2020) – New date is March 14, 2021

  • A Bronx Tale (April 21-22, 2020) – Canceled

  • Brian Culbertson (April 23, 2020) – Canceled

  • Come From Away (April 28-May 3, 2020) – Still as scheduled

  • One Night of Queen (May 6, 2020) – New date is May 15, 2021

  • The Bachelor Live On Stage (May 7, 2020) – Canceled


For updates and more information, visit www.VanWezel.org
City buildings are now closed to the public. Please request services online at www.SarasotaFL.Gov or via the following phone numbers:
Building Permits
941-263-6455

City Commission Office
941-263-6412

City Manager Office
941-263-6402

Code Compliance
941-954-4125

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.

With so many businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19, resources for small business owners and employees are becoming available:
Sarasota County Health Dept. : 941-861-2883 (M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Florida Dept. of Health: 1-866-779-6121 (24 hours/7 days a week)