March 20, 2020
3:15 p.m.
City buildings to close March 23;
Services, operations to continue
City of Sarasota buildings will close to the public effective Monday, March 23 to reduce the possible transmission of COVID-19. Most City operations and functions will continue with reduced staff working on-site or remotely.
 
The City Auditor and Clerk will not accept development applications until further notice. Applicants with questions regarding the current submittal process are encouraged to call 941-263-6222 or email the Development Applications Coordinator at Sean.Wilkins@SarasotaFL.Gov .
 
The public is advised to conduct business with the City either online via www.SarasotaFL.Gov or by phone at 941-263-6000.
 
Garbage, recycling and yard waste will continue as normal. Public safety, drinking water, sanitary sewer treatment, plans reviews, building permits and other services will continue.
 
Public parks, boat ramps, open spaces and fishing piers in the city limits remain open.
 
Lido Beach and all county beaches are scheduled to close at 6 a.m. Saturday, March 21, as announced by Sarasota County yesterday.
 
The City of Sarasota remains in a public health emergency, declared last week and extended through March 27.


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Closed:
  • Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex
  • Bayfront Community Center
  • Bobby Jones Golf Club
  • Lido Beach Pool
  • Municipal Auditorium
  • Payne Park Auditorium
  • Park Skate Park
  • Payne Park Tennis Center
  • Robert L. Taylor Community Center 
  • Utility Billing Office
  • Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Open:

Public arks, boat ramps, fishing piers and public open 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. Lido Beach will close at 6 a.m. Saturday.

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.

Effective Monday, March 23, City buildings will be closed to the public. Please request service online at www.SarasotaFL.Gov or the following phone numbers:
Building Permits
941-263-6455

City Commission Office
941-263-6412

City Manager Office
941-263-6402

Code Compliance
941-263-6417

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
More information and services are available online at SarasotaFL.Gov .

For questions regarding Sarasota County services including the public libraries and SCAT, please contact the Sarasota County Contact Center: 941-861-5000.
With so many small businesses, including restaurants, bars, nightclubs and retail stores, 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)