Sarasota County

Before the Sarasota County School Board's repeal, masks were required if the positivity rate rose to about 10 percent, and optional if it fell below 8 percent for three consecutive days.

The positivity rate for COVID-19 within Sarasota County dropped below 8% for three consecutive days, and masks are now optional. The mask requirement will reactivate if the positivity rate goes above 10%.

The mandate allows opt-outs only for medical reasons or for special needs students on Individual Education Plans who can't wear masks.

Fish kills continue to pollute the waters around downtown St. Petersburg and smaller die-offs were reported in Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Sarasota Board Chair Shirley Brown said the ruling also "makes clear that somebody is not to be harassed if they are wearing or not wearing a mask.”

Tons of dead fish have washed ashore in the wake of Tropical Storm Elsa. On Sunday, Pinellas health officials recommended that anyone with respiratory problems consider avoiding county beaches.

The decision bolstered the case brought by three Sarasota County private hospitals that contend they should be reimbursed for indigent care, at least in part because of a 2003 state law.

The Sarasota Department of Health says the change is based on CDC guidance, which states that fully vaccinated people can resume normal activities.

But no vote is imminent in Hillsborough County as some parents are demanding the face-mask policies end immediately.

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