CITY OF NORTH PORT (WSNN) – The state is bringing Sarasota County more vaccines through a pop-up drive-thru clinic in North Port. The Sarasota health department received 3,000 Moderna vaccines this week And the state is administering them this weekend, by appointment only.
“I am so happy and it was a marvelous experience,” Sarasota County resident, Judy Forward said. “The nurses were so kind, the staff, the army helping. I’ll tell you, it’s been a pleasure, it’s been a pleasure.”
The state is administering vaccines at the Suncoast Technical Institute Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
“When I got my COVID text, I just hopped in my car, and came down to North Port,” Forward said.
This is after Forward registered on the Sarasota Health department’s vaccine registration system. The state pulled from the county’s system to administer vaccines by who was “next in line.” Not by zip code or location.
“It’s not like whether they live in North Port or this part of the county, it’s by when their date of entry was, and that’s when they were selected to be able to come,” North Port Fire Rescue EMS Division Chief, Karl Bennett said.
You simply must be a Florida resident. Forward signed up about a month ago and has been patiently for this day to come.
“I was 25,000 in line to wait my turn to get to number one,” Forward said.
The National Guard and local law enforcement are helping keep traffic flowing.
“We’re happy to help out the city of North Port because if it can help some of our residents that are here locally, you don’t have to drive as far, especially the older population,” Bennett said. “It’s a win for everyone.”
Bennett says this weekend may have heavier traffic than usual, off of Toledo Blade Blvd.
“This is a closed site. If anybody does come up, they will be turned away if they do not have an appointment, Bennett said. “Traffic is somewhat of a concern, North Port Police is working hard to make sure everybody’s appointments flow smoothly.”
If you’re receiving your first-dose at this state-operated clinic, you should plan to receive your second-dose at this location, from the state, in approximately 28 days.
If you haven’t registered to get in line for the vaccine, check sarasotahealth.org or scgov.net.