Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 8
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More coronavirus deaths in Manatee County
Four more people have died in Manatee County from COVID-19 as the state death toll hits 1,600, according to the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health on Thursday.
In Manatee County, 68 people have died from COVID-19.
The total number of cases diagnosed in the county is up to 737.
Family members want answers about woman’s death in nursing home
Jim Foster had waited four long months for his wife to return to his side. A heartbreaking development means she’ll never get the chance.
“My dad absolutely adored her. She was everything to him. He’s just been waiting so they could be together. This could be what takes my father. They’ve been together 40 years,“ said LeAnn Foster, who shared details of her stepmother’s death with the Bradenton Herald on Thursday afternoon.
COVID-19 claimed Betty Foster’s life Wednesday morning, according to the Foster family. The 83-year-old Bradenton resident was recuperating at Manatee Springs Rehabilitation Center, 5627 Ninth St. E., Bradenton before she died.
LeAnn, who works as a director of nursing at a long-term care facility in Indiana, believes the facility is hiding a host of coronavirus infections. Even after Betty’s death at the hospital, the Foster family hasn’t heard an update on what happened from the staff at Manatee Springs, she said.
“I know what the rules are and these people are covering up something big-time, and she died,” LeAnn Foster said.
Vacation resort owners sue the state
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order shutting the door on resort rentals with an executive order on March 1, and extending the rental ban in another executive order on April 29 to check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, is being challenged in U.S. District Court this week.
The lawsuit, brought by, among others, Florida Beach Rentals LLC in Clearwater Beach, and a Panama City Beach resident who rents 21 privately-owned units, also has support in Manatee County.
Joe Varner of Anna Maria Vacations was in the process of filing a lawsuit, when he learned about a lawsuit being filed by Tampa attorney Craig Huffman in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Instead of proceeding with his lawsuit, Varner decided to have his attorney file an amicus brief, essentially agreeing with the arguments in Huffman’s lawsuit, although he is not a party to that case.
“We were about to file ourselves but there were so many attorneys in the state about to file suits, and we found out Tuesday that this attorney in Tampa and his plaintiffs were the closest so we let them go ahead and get it done,” Varner said.
Varner takes issue with the fact that hotels have been allowed to stay open, while resort rentals were not.
Some other stories worth reading
State’s COVID-19 testing policy an ‘unmitigated disaster’ for residents of elder homes
FDLE releases list of COVID-19 deaths. Top medical examiner calls it a sham
As state touts supply, many nursing home workers still can’t get protective gear
Contact tracing can help reduce coronavirus infections. How much is Florida doing?
Quote of the day
“I’ve sewed all my life and figured I can do this. This helps me too, because otherwise I’d be sitting at home lamenting on all these things I can’t do. I feel like it’s the old Mr. Rogers statement: Just be a helper.” — Toni Muirhead, one of numerous volunteers in Bradenton sewing masks for health workers.
NEED A JOB? LOOK HERE
Employers can post jobs while workers displaced by the coronavirus pandemic can search for them at jobfocus.com, a service hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
Also, here is a link to more information about applying for unemployment benefits in Florida.
Meanwhile, these companies say they are hiring.
ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING HELP
Resources are available to help struggling Manatee County residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. Opportunities also exist to support local relief efforts, which are facing a sudden and overwhelming demand.
With all schools closed through May 1, area students might struggle to find their daily lunch, and parents may need child care while they continue working. Other residents are losing work hours or jobs with the restrictions placed on restaurants and bars.
Here is a list of some of the organizations offering help.
Need help paying rent or utility bills? Check out the groups listed here.
BRADENTON RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKE-HOME AND DELIVERY SERVICES
The Bradenton Herald has published a list of restaurants offering take out and/or delivery services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Also, feel free to leave the names, addresses and phone numbers of other restaurants, either as a comment on our Facebook page or on the page for the Manatee Eats group.
Contribute to Coronavirus Reporting Fund
The Bradenton Herald’s Coronavirus Reporting Fund allows you to contribute to our reporting on the pandemic. We need your help to maintain our current level of coverage.
You can donate here.
Or you can also send us a check. Make it out to the Local Media Foundation and in the memo field, write “Bradenton Herald.” Send it to Bradenton Herald Give Butter, 1111 Third Ave. W., #100 Bradenton 34205.
All of the money raised will support our reporting here in Bradenton. All contributions are tax deductible.
The Miami Herald contributed to this story.