SARASOTA
Observer
Gardens on parade.
PAGE 6B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 16, NO. 17
FREE
TOUGH Join in the fight to beat the virus
•
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
As COVID-19 upends daily life, choices made by businesses, governments and organizations force everyone into …
DECISIONS
Support your local businesses. SEE PAGE 8A
YOUR TOWN
Whitney Elfstrom
Pets have become colleagues for many working from home.
Staying busy?
The coronavirus outbreak is leading many Sarasotans to self-quarantine or work from home. And although it might feel a bit stuffy, it doesn’t mean staying in needs to be boring or lonely. What are some of the ways you’ve kept yourself busy or connected at home? Are you working alongside pets, penning the next great play (did you know Shakespeare wrote “King Lear” during quarantine?) or playing games with your kids? The Observer wants to see how you stay energized during social distancing. Email reporter Whitney Elfstrom at WElfstrom@YourObserver.com with what you’re doing, and feel free to send along a photo.
Observer staff
Top: A group of spring breakers from Indiana University make a point to gather in a group of nine at Clasico on Main Street, within guidelines set this week for social groups. To-go orders are the only option at some downtown restaurants and coffee shops, such as Five-O Donut Co. on Ringling Boulevard. Bottom: Restaurants, such as La Mucca Ballerina on Main Street, were required to halve their seating capacity and spread out dining tables. On Saturday at Lido Beach, crowds were plentiful before state guidelines on size of groups and their spacing were enacted.
One week ago, COVID-19 was a concern. Now it’s reshaped life. PAGE 3A
Businesses grapple with the needs of the community and their staffs. PAGE 6A
Feeding kids who are out of school until April 15 is a key responsibility. PAGE 10A
Tourism leaders consider all the angles. PAGE 4A
At senior-care sites, special precautions are needed. PAGE 9A
A lot of the city’s recreational spots are closed. PAGE 12A
Closed museums and attractions go digital to keep engagement. PAGE 13A