Coronavirus: Sarasota Restaurants, Condo Pools, Liquor Stores

SARASOTA, FL — While public beaches are closed in Sarasota County, grocery stores and other businesses remain open with certain changes. Patch has been fielding questions from readers about restaurants, pools and even liquor stores.

We reached out to Sarasota County officials and the city of Sarasota to get the latest information regarding the new normal.

"Restaurants throughout the county are offering pick-up and delivery options. Liquor stores are open, but that decision is from individual retailers," explained Sarasota county spokesperson Brianne Grant.

"The county doesn’t regulate private swimming pools," she added.

Spokesperson Jason Bartalone of the city of Sarasota told Patch city officials had not ordered any closings of condo swimming pools as of Monday afternoon.

The city temporarily halted the sale of beer, wine and alcohol at restaurants after 9 p.m.
The order applies to all city restaurants, clubs and businesses that serve food for consumption on the premises.

Gov. Ron DeSantis last week ordered all restaurants in the state to transition to takeout and delivery operations or risk being shut down.

Bartalone said the city has not restricted curbside pickup or takeout from city restaurants.

"In fact, to accommodate restaurants' transition to carry-out service only, our parking operations team is designating new curbside parking to ensure pickup and delivery drivers have a quick, convenient place to park," he said.

To register for Sarasota County text alerts, text SRQCOVID19 to 888777. You can also view the latest updates here, including closures and any notices of service changes or modifications.

A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about COVID-19 is available through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County. Call 941-861-2883 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.