City of Sarasota passes face mask requirement. It’s not just for indoors 

The city of Sarasota is the latest local government entity to require face masks in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The move comes in the wake of record breaking spikes in new cases across Florida.

Commissioners passed an ordinance with a 4-1 vote on Monday that requires the use of face coverings in “indoor and outdoor public locations and businesses.”

The new rule goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and is valid for 60 days.

Masks are not required when proper social distancing can be observed, according to the ordinance, and there are a host of other exemptions. They include children under the age of 18, people at schools and daycares, and those with health conditions that would make wearing a mask difficult. People who are eating or drinking, or exercising while socially distanced, are also exempted.

The city will focus on “compliance and education” in its enforcement of the ordinance, according to a press release. However, violations can result in a civil infraction with fines of up to $500 per offense.

The city also has plans to establish a phone line and email address to respond to questions and concerns regarding the ordinance, according to the press release.

So far, the only mask mandates in the Sarasota-Manatee area have come from the municipal level. In Manatee County, the cities of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria became the first to issue face covering requirements last week.

Sarasota County and Manatee County leaders have opted instead to focus on public safety messaging and guidelines encouraging the use masks. Elsewhere in the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties have issued mandatory mask policies, while Polk has not.

This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 6:43 AM.