Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 20
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Another death reported in Manatee County
Another Manatee County resident has died from COVID-19 as the state death toll passes 2,000, according to the latest data released on Tuesday morning by the Florida Department of Health.
Manatee County now has 82 people who have died from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Statewide, 2,049 people have died.
The latest data released also included 21 new confirmed cases in Manatee County of people testing positive for the virus, making 888 total cases. The state has more than 500 new cases, with the total number of cases at 46,944.
Re-opening plans advance
Manatee County Commission OKs a plan that would allow short-term vacation rentals to resume.
And the Manatee Schools superintendent has an idea of what schooling could look like during the 2020-21 school year.
Second Manatee jail inmate tests positive
A second inmate at the Manatee County jail has tested positive for the coronavirus.
On Monday, a 58-year-old man was arrested on charges of failing to report being a sexual offender and contempt of court. While being booked into the Manatee County jail told deputies and staff that he had been in close contact with a family member who is positive for COVID-19, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Randy Warren.
“He wasn’t showing symptoms of the virus, but was isolated, tested and placed in a negative pressure cell in the jail’s medical unit,” Warren told the Bradenton Herald.
The jail received the man’s positive results on Tuesday. The man is currently the only inmate in custody with the virus.
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 20, 2020 at 5:00 AM.