Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 19
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
18 more COVID-19 cases in Manatee
Eighteen Manatee County residents were among the nearly 900 new cases of people testing positive for the coronavirus in the state, the Florida Department of Health said Monday.
There are now 867 cases in Manatee County, as the statewide total hit 46,442.
Statewide, there were 24 new deaths caused by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, as part of the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health. The state’s official death toll now stands at 1,997, while Manatee County’s death toll remains at 81.
Effort to reopen vacation rentals gets a boost
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Monday took a first step toward allowing the reopening of vacation rentals.
After the 7-0 vote, the reopening recommendation goes to the Manatee County Commission for approval, and coordination with Anna Maria Island cities, Longboat Key, Bradenton, and Palmetto to ensure procedures and protocols are in place to protect visitors and residents from COVID-19. The reopening plan would be submitted to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for final approval.
The Manatee County reopening plan follows guidance by Gov. Ron DeSantis that he announced on May 15.
Bradenton bar owners to protest closures
Tuesday afternoon, local bar owners and employees plan to gather outside the law office of W. Wade Thompson, 1720 Manatee Ave. W., and walk the downtown area to protest not being allowed to go back to work. The bar workers will be meeting 3-3:30 p.m. and walking at 4 p.m., said Joe Harris, owner of Papa Joe’s Bar, 1242 Whitfield Ave.
“I think a lot of employees and their families will show up. These employees are losing everything. Most people are a paycheck away from losing everything and this has been going on eight or nine weeks,” he said.
Galvano praises DeSantis
The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything the Florida Legislature has seen before, but Gov. Ron DeSantis is leading Florida in the right direction, according to Senate President Bill Galvano.
The Bradenton lawmaker gave his post-session State of the State address in a free presentation with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Monday morning. He reassured listeners that the crisis is being handled with the correct amount of precaution and consideration.
“I could have never predicted the emergency state of affairs that we have with COVID-19,” said Galvano. “They were calling Florida the next Italy. There was a lot of information that required us to be vigilant with the next steps, but I think Ron DeSantis is doing a phenomenal job.”
Galvano, who serves on the Re-Open Florida Task Force, suggested that the steps being taken to allow businesses to operate again are another cautious decision, noting that there are no “hard and fast dates” for the next phases of Florida’s recovery plan. Phase 2 won’t begin until the virus is on a downward trend across the state.
SRQ airport gets $23 million boost from federal government
A huge body blow, like the one COVID-19 unloaded on Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in April when passenger traffic was down 95 percent from the same month a year earlier, would devastate any budget.
Yet, SRQ will survive and slowly begin regaining traction, thanks to a healthy budget reserve and the lack of debt. And one more thing: a $23 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
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 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.