Long Lines At Kennel Club Testing Site, No Wait At Taylor Complex

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Officers are directing traffic at the drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at the former Sarasota Kennel Club, where there’s a several hours wait to get tested Tuesday, the Sarasota Police Department shared on Facebook.

Those who seeking a coronavirus test should head to the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, a walk-up testing site at 1845 34th Street in Sarasota, police said. Officers working at the site say there’s no wait Tuesday.

The testing site at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex reopened Saturday, while a new walk-up site at Dallas White Park at 5900 Greenwood Ave. in North Port opened Monday.

Both sites are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The testing site remains open at the former Sarasota Kennel Club at 5400 Old Bradenton Road in Sarasota Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No appointment is necessary at any of these three testing sites, and anyone can be tested regardless of symptoms, the DOH said. Photo identification will be required. Spanish speaking technicians will be on site.

PCR and antigen (rapid) testing will be offered, with PCR results provided in 24 hours and rapid testing results in 30 minutes.

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Select pharmacies and other health care facilities in Sarasota County also offer testing including:

• America's Pharmacy
• CVS
• Ellenton Urgent Care
• MCR Health
• Quest Diagnostics
• Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Centers
• Walgreens

The test is also available through some private physician's practices.

COVID-19 Vaccines

The Department of Health in Sarasota County urges residents to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

"The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and continue to be vital to ending the pandemic, including combating the recent case increases nationally and globally," the DOH said in a news release.

The vaccine offers several benefits, including reducing the risk of contracting the virus if exposed, teaching your body how to fight the virus, minimizing the spread of the virus, fighting emerging variants of the virus, and reducing the risk of severe symptoms, hospitalizations and death for those who do get sick, the DOH said.

The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at the DOH in Sarasota County offices in North Port (6950 Outreach Way) and Sarasota (2200 Ringling Blvd.) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Select pharmacies and other health care facilities in Sarasota County also offer the vaccine, including:

• CVS
• Publix
• Sam's Club
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Winn-Dixie

The vaccine is also available through some private physician's practices.