City of Sarasota extends public health emergency declaration until May 8

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The City of Sarasota has extended its public health emergency declaration until May 8 in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The city does say they will amend this to adapt to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent statewide order limiting the indoor occupancy of restaurants to no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy. Allowing outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing may help restaurants and their patrons to slowly begin the recovery phase of the pandemic.

The order also waives building permit fees for construction necessary to remodel structures to make them safer and to comply with health guidelines.

The public is very strongly urged to wear protective masks when leaving home to conduct essential activities, and to acquire protective masks if they have not already.