Sarasota County Schools just announced its first heart screening events for student athletes, a big move to boost student health and safety.
They’re teaming up with Who We Play For to host these events at Booker High School on Monday, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., and at North Port High School on Wednesday, April 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. More screenings will roll out at other high schools soon.
This new effort lines up with Senate Bill 1070 from the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, the Second Chance Act. Lawmakers passed it unanimously, and it requires every first-time high school student athlete to get an electrocardiogram (ECG) before playing interscholastic sports, starting next school year. The goal: catch hidden heart conditions that could endanger young athletes during game time.
Superintendent Terry Connor summed it up: “Protecting our student athletes is something we all share. This partnership and these events show that we’re working proactively. We’re here to support our athletes and their families as Florida steps up to prevent sudden cardiac events in young people.”
The screenings cost $20 per student. The district’s also offering extra help for families facing financial hardship. Who We Play For staff will handle the screenings, and board-certified pediatric cardiologists will review each ECG. Licensed physicians from local hospitals will pitch in as well.
Evan Ernst, Executive Director of Who We Play For, underscored the stakes: “Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in sports and on school campuses—and it often happens without warning. We believe no family should lose a child to a preventable condition, so early detection through ECG screening is key. We’re proud to partner with Sarasota County Schools and grateful to Gold Coast Eagle Distributing for making these screenings easier for families to access.
”To sign up, families can register for the Booker High School event here and for the North Port High School event here.
