City leaders strongly urging the public to wear masks and to practice social distancing
The parking lot at Bird Key Park reopened to the public at 9 a.m. on May 20, following an emergency order issued by Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin, in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch, the city announced.
Open spaces at the park, which is located at 200 John Ringling Causeway, had remained available throughout the COVID-19 local health emergency for people walking, jogging and exercise, as well as for the outdoor relaxation of people and pets, a news release noted.
Members of the public are advised to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for safe social distancing in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the release emphasized. “City residents are also strongly urged to wear protective masks when leaving home under the City’s local public health emergency declaration,” the release added.
Lido Beach and the city’s tennis courts, boat ramps, fishing piers, dog parks and outdoor spaces also are open to the public.
Arlington Park Aquatic Complex is scheduled to reopen Friday, May 29, the release said.
“City park facilities and amenities, including playgrounds and basketball courts, remain closed,” the release pointed out.
Although city buildings are closed to the public, most city operations and services are still available, the release noted. The public may conduct city business either online via www.SarasotaFL.gov or by phone at 941-263-6000, the release added.