Sarasota County

More than 10,000 students — about 12% of the district — have mental health needs that go unmet because of staff shortages.

Only about 1 percent of people vaccinated in Sarasota County are Black. Advocates say the distribution process puts underserved communities at a disadvantage. They're fighting to change that.

The system will assign appointments on a first-come, first-served basis, and unlike the previous system allows people to sign up via telephone, too.

Until a vaccine can be more widely distributed, doctors are urging people to keep wearing masks and social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The new policy allows for five-minute mask breaks throughout the day.

The Sarasota County School District currently requires all students and staff to wear face masks, unless they have a medical exemption.

Coronavirus rates have remained low in Florida since schools reopened in August, but with flu season approaching, experts say masks are more important than ever.

Health experts say coronavirus cases are expected to rise as schools and bars reopen, and that masks are one of society's only defenses until a vaccine is available.

It calls for students to wear masks made of solid material, unless they get a medical waiver, in which case a shield could be substituted.

Children who attend school in Sarasota County will have to wear either a mask or clear face shield, except in a handful of circumstances, the school...