Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 12

The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.

More COVID-19 reported in Manatee County

Seven more Manatee County residents have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the latest official data released by the Florida Department of Health on Monday morning.

There are now 783 total cases in Manatee County, as the state approaches nearly 41,000 total cases. The death toll in Manatee remains at 74.

More Bradenton businesses reopen

Some well-known Bradenton restaurants have reopened their dining rooms.

And so have many, but not all, barber shops and hair salons.

Passenger traffic plummets at SRQ airport

Due to COVID-19 concerns, passenger traffic fell 95 percent in April, compared to April 2019, at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport with 9,742 only passengers traveling through the terminal.

Year-to-date, airport passenger traffic is down 8.5 percent for the first quarter of 2020, with 621,192 passengers using SRQ, according to a press release from SRQ.

Do you need a mask?

Manatee County government can hook you up.

Here’s where you can get them.

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.

This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 5:00 AM.