Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 22
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Four more deaths in Manatee County
The number of COVID-19 cases in Manatee County spiked on Thursday with new 30 new positive tests reported in the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health. It is the largest daily count of positive cases since the pandemic started.
The health department also reported that four more Manatee County residents had died from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 88. Statewide, the death toll now stands at 2,144.
Unlike many recent deaths, the deaths in Manatee County announced Thursday were not connected to any long-term care facilities. More than 60 percent of the confirmed local COVID-19 deaths were residents or staffers at skilled nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
State approves vacation rental plan
A local plan to allow short-term rental owners to resume operations under new safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has been approved by state officials.
Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to submit a plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Vacation rental owners may begin accepting bookings under the new guidelines immediately, according to a press release.
Manatee County unemployment rate explodes
A new report shows that 10.2 percent of Manatee County’s workforce of 179,993 was unemployed as of May 20, compared to 4.2 percent on April 4.
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 22, 2020 at 5:00 AM.