Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 16
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Another nursing home death in Manatee
Another COVID-19-related death connected to a skilled nursing home or assisted living facility in Manatee County was announced late Friday by the Florida Department of Health.
The local death toll now stands at 79 in Manatee County. Of those who have died locally, 51 were residents or staffers at a long-term care facility.
In all, 826 people in Manatee County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Manatee County.
Florida continues to reopen
Starting Monday, you will be able to return to the gym for your workouts.
And visitors may be able to stay at a vacation rental on Anna Maria Island or elsewhere.
Holmes Beach keeps a squeeze on on-street parking
Anna Maria Island’s public beaches were reopened earlier this week, but Tthe city of Holmes Beach says it may be another month before it allows beach-goers park on side streets in the city.
That won’t be soon enough for their neighbors to the north, in the city of Anna Maria, who have been swamped by visitors unable to find a legal parking spot in Holmes Beach.
Quotes of the day
“It’s a full-time job. ... I’m drained. I’m drained. The stress, the frustration, the anger. It’s an insane system and it’s driving me insane.” — Miami resident Janice Bernstein, describing her struggle to sign up for unemployment benefits from the state.
“DEO goes through this, and 9 times out of 10, the application’s incomplete. ... And I think if you have applied in that time period, and your application’s complete, and you qualify, I think 99.99% of those folks have been paid.” — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, arguing that user error is largely responsible for the perception that Florida’s unemployment insurance system is broken.
Food pantries in Manatee County
As COVID-19 has ravaged Manatee County and employers have shedded jobs, food security has become a bigger issue for many residents.
Manatee County government this week released a list of food pantries in the county where residents can obtain free food and other assistance.
Read it here.
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.
This story was originally published May 16, 2020 at 5:00 AM.