Sarasota's Lido Beach Reopens

SARASOTA, FL — City officials voted Monday to reopen Lido Beach with social distancing guidelines in effect.

"City residents are also strongly urged to wear protective masks when leaving home under the city’s local public health emergency declaration," city officials said.

The Sarasota City Commission voted to reopen Lido Beach at a meeting on Monday. The city's tennis courts, boat ramps, fishing piers, dog parks and outdoor spaces have already reopened. The Arlington Park Aquatic Complex is set to reopen on May 29.

Lido Beach reopened Tuesday.

"Barricades were removed this morning by staff," confirmed the city's Jason Bartolone on Tuesday morning.

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The parking lot at Bird Key Park will reopen at 9 a.m. Wednesday based on an emergency order signed by City Manager Tom Barwin in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch. The park is located at 200 John Ringling Causeway.

Other city park facilities and amenities, including playgrounds and basketball courts, remain closed.

Although city buildings remain closed to the public, city business can be conducted online at www.SarasotaFL.gov or by phone at 941-263-6000.

The city's COVID-19 Small Business and Safety Assistance Grant Program will begin accepting applications on Tuesday.

Information on the program can be found here. You can also send an email to CitySmallBusinessGrant@sarasotaFL.gov.

A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about the new coronavirus is available through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County at 941-861-2883. between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.