March 19, 2020
During this unprecedented time, we are working diligently to keep the City of Sarasota community informed and up to date on the latest information and local decisions being made in response to the COVID-19 situation.

Late yesterday afternoon, the City of Sarasota extended its public health emergency, originally declared last week, through March 27 and modified the declaration referring to crowds. Gatherings of 10 or more people on public property are now prohibited. Gatherings on private property shall comply with Gov. Ron DeSantis' recent executive order, which will be enforced by the Sarasota Police Department.

The following emergency orders also have been issued:

  • Closure of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, owned and operated by the City, through March 31, 2020

  • Closure of nine City owned and operated recreational facilities

  • Cancellation of all City advisory boards, Code Compliance hearings and Special District boards

  • Assistance from the Sarasota Police Department in the enforcement of Gov. DeSantis' executive order pertaining to the operation of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants

  • Direction to citizens and visitors to comply with the Governor's executive order dealing with gatherings on public beaches

Earlier this week, the City Commission canceled its regular meeting scheduled for April 6.
Below, you will find a compilation of information for City services, current contact information, business assistance resources and COVID-19 resources that should be particularly helpful during this time.

Each hour seems to bring new unchartered territory for us all. We'll continue to make thoughtful decisions for the community in consultation with the City Commission based on sound facts, guidance from state and federal health officials and the best information we have at the time. Our dedicated City staff will be here at your service throughout this community emergency.

To subscribe and receive additional COVID-19 updates as well as our Weekly Briefs e-newsletter, email CityNews@SarasotaFL.Gov or just click the 'Subscribe' button above.
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:

All beaches, parks and 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.

City services are continuing. The tap water is flowing and garbage, recycling, yard waste are being collected as normal.

To lower transmission risks for customers and City employees, some service centers are temporarily closed to walk-ins, including water billing, building permit offices and the Sarasota Police Department front lobby.

Most City office operations and communications will continue to be conducted over the internet or telephone, as preferred by our residents and customers.

Our SPD is still 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.


While City departments remain open for service, we encourage the public to call rather than visit or make inquiries via email. A staff and department directory is available on www.SarasotaFL.Gov .

The Building Permit office is temporarily closed for in-person business at least until March 25.
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)