School District of Manatee County Announces ECG Screenings for Student Athletes Ahead of New State Requirement
The School District of Manatee County is preparing for a new state law that will require certain student-athletes to complete a cardiac screening before participating in school-sponsored athletic programs. District officials announced a partnership with the nonprofit organization Who We Play For to offer affordable electrocardiogram screenings to help families meet the upcoming requirement and protect student health.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida law will require incoming ninth-grade students and high school students who have not previously participated in a Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport to complete a cardiac screening before athletic participation. The requirement is part of the Second Chance Act, outlined in Section 1006.20 of the Florida Statutes, and is intended to help detect undiagnosed heart conditions that could lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
To support compliance with the new law, the district will host a series of electrocardiogram screenings, commonly known as ECG or EKG tests, at several high school campuses across Manatee County this spring. The ECG is a quick and non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can identify certain cardiac conditions that may not be detected during a standard sports physical.
The screenings will be conducted by Who We Play For, an organization focused on preventing sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes through early detection and education.
Upcoming ECG Screening Dates and Locations
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Southeast High School: 9 a.m.
Bayshore High School: 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Parrish Community High School: 9 a.m.
Braden River High School: 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High School: 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Palmetto High School: 9 a.m.
Manatee High School: 4 p.m.
Families may attend any location that best fits their schedule and must register in advance through the Who We Play For website.
District leaders say the initiative reflects a continued commitment to student health and safety while helping families prepare for the new statewide requirement.
Additional details about the ECG screenings, including registration information, are available on the School District of Manatee County website. Families with questions are encouraged to contact their school’s athletic department for guidance and assistance.