The state-run, walk-up COVID-19 testing site at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex in Sarasota will shut down at the close of business this Friday, May 14.

 

The state's drive-thru site at the former Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Old Bradenton Road, will stop operating at the close of business Sunday, May 16.

 

The closures are based on low demand, according to state officials. All state-run testing sites in Florida are expected to close by May 28.

 

Until the closures, free testing will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5400 Old Bradenton Road.

 

For more information about state-supported testing sites and a list of frequently asked questions, visit floridadisaster.org/covid19/testing-sites.

 

Community members are also encouraged to visit CVS , Walgreens or other local pharmacies that provide COVID-19 testing.

 

Since opening in May 2020, the Robert L. Taylor site has conducted more than 140,000 COVID-19 tests. The site was created through a partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida National Guard, Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota and coordinated by State Rep. Wengay Newton and NAACP Sarasota Branch President Trevor Harvey. The drive-thru site was added in December 2020.