We have compiled this website to provide resources for some of the most pressing issues facing members of our community. Please know we are in this together and we are here to help you and your family get through this. If you have questions that this website does not address or if you need help navigating any of these organizations to get the help you need, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Text Good to 33339 for updates
Symptoms and Testing
If you are sick with a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), dry cough, or have trouble breathing, contact your healthcare provider and the Department of Health. Florida Dept. of Health COVID-19 24 hour Call Center.
Call: 1-866-779-6121
Email: [email protected].
Visit: floridahealthcovid19.gov
If you have COVID-19, please follow the guidance from the Department of Health to prevent its spread:
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/treatment/
For more information on how many cases there are in Florida, visit: COVID-19 dashboard
How to Prevent Coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to avoid being exposed to the virus. It is also important to note that you can carry the virus and spread it to others without exhibiting symptoms. That is why social distancing is so important. That means, in short, limit your interactions with others and stay home unless absolutely necessary.
Business, School, and Other Closures
SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOL CLOSURES:
Sarasota County Schools are currently closed. On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, the district moved to online learning.
MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOL CLOSURES:
Manatee County Schools are currently closed. Online learning started on March 30, 2020.
Click here to the latest guidance for Manatee County Schools.
BAR AND NIGHTCLUB CLOSURES:
Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough’s Bars and Nightclubs are closed.
CITY OF SARASOTA CLOSURES:
CITY OF BRADENTON CLOSURES:
NURSING HOMES
To find updates from all Florida Agencies, visit www.myflorida.com
Hardship and Consumer Services
2-1-1:
EVICTIONS:
ELDERY CARE:
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has partnered with The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) to assist in the coordination of restaurants to meet the needs of the elderly with meal delivery services.
The Friendship at Home program receives some community support, but not enough to cover expanded needs. They are actively seeking telephone reassurance volunteers for isolated seniors and financial support for our continued programs. If you would like to receive phone calls or become a volunteer, please call (941) 556-3208.
FLORIDA VETERANS:
- Veterans enrolled for care within VISN 8 can continue to use the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center for 24/7 virtual urgent care by calling 1-877-741-3400 (toll free) or by using the VA Health Chat App.
- FDVA is restricting visitor access to its network of State Veterans’ Homes until further notice, with the exception of essential visitors, such as family members of those residents undergoing end-of-life care. Additionally, admissions in the network of State Veterans’ Homes have been temporarily suspended.
Free and Reduced Lunch:
Florida Power and Light:
Internet:
Division of Motor Vehicles:
All Florida driver licenses, commercial driving licenses and identification cards set to expire in the next 30 days will be granted a 30-day extension beyond their current expiration date.
State Department Travel Advisory:
Child Support:
Tax Returns:
The IRS has extended the deadline to make payments on your taxes to July 15, 2020. The Florida Department of Revenue has established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues pertaining to COVID-19 and has created an email address, [email protected], where taxpayers can send questions and concerns. The Department encourages all taxpayers to use our e-services applications to file and pay taxes or contact our call center at (850) 488–6800.
Price Gouging:
Florida Price Gouging Hotline Call: 1-866-9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or click here to visit the website.
Sign up to Vote by Mail for State and Local Elections:
Resources for Businesses
Experiencing Economic Hardship:
SMALL BUSIness Resiliency LOan:
Sarasota County has created a small business loan program for businesses in Sarasota.
CARE ACT:
RE-EMPLOYMENT:
1-800-681-8102 is unemployment telephone number for disabled. Fax is (850) 488-8603
BARTENDER HELP AND RESTAURANT WORKERS RELIEF:
Charitable Giving
SEASON OF SHARING CAMPAIGN:
MANTATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:
SUNCOAST BLOOD BANK:
Statewide stay-at-home order
Florida’s statewide stay-at-home order begins April 3, 2020 at 12:01 AM.
Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-92
SAFER AT HOME:
- All persons in Florida shall limit leaving home to only essential activities and providing essential services.
- Senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions shall stay at home and take all measures to limit risk of exposure.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES:
- All essential services are not affected.
- Businesses and organizations are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out, or curbside service to the greatest extent practicable.
- Individuals are encouraged to work from home.
ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES:
- Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues, and houses of worship.
- Participating in recreating activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming (consistent with social distancing guidelines).
- Taking care of pets.
- Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend