Contact:  Jason Bartolone, Communications Specialist   941-928-3988    jason.bartolone@sarasotagov.com 

Sarasota, FL:  A local State of Emergency was declared by the City of Sarasota on Wednesday due to the continued effects of red tide on our community, following similar declarations by Sarasota County and the state of Florida.

The City Manager is authorized to declare a State of Emergency with approval from one City Commissioner. Mayor Liz Alpert, the District 2 City Commissioner, concurred following the advice of Emergency Manager Todd Kerkering. The declaration is a necessary step in securing possible financial assistance from the state or federal government.

“As the home city of Mote Marine Laboratory, this experience is requiring us to be much more proactive sharing information and working to prevent a similar disaster in the future,” City Manager Tom Barwin said. “The state of emergency reflects our need to continue to respond effectively and efficiently to this public health and economic crisis. The City continues to coordinate with our partners at the county and state levels as we combat the effects of red tide and the threats it presents to the health and safety of our residents and guests.”

The State of Emergency is effective immediately and may not exceed seven days, although it may be extended in seven-day increments as necessary.

Small businesses that have been affected by red tide may be eligible for short-term, interest-free loans of up to $50,000 through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Business owners with two to 100 employees can apply now through Oct. 12 at www.floridadisasterloan.org.

For more information, contact Jason Bartolone, Communications Specialist:  941-928-3988.

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 About the City of Sarasota:  Distinguished by Google as a Digital Capital in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 55,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, a 45-hole municipal golf course at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles.  Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov