Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on June 29
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
Manatee’s death toll up to 130
Another 95 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health. They were among 8,530 cases reported statewide on Sunday amid a continuing spike in coronavirus infections.
An additional COVID-19-related death was also reported in Manatee County. The local death toll since the outbreak began now stands at 130 residents.
There have been a total of 2,737 cases in Manatee.
Sunday’s report came after the Health Department recorded the highest daily counts yet during the pandemic, both in Manatee and all of Florida.
Going to Anna Maria Island?
If you’re going to Holmes Beach or the city of Anna Maria, don’t forget your masks.
Otherwise, you could be hit with a fine.
COVID-19 surge renews restrictions on bars
Less than a month after Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed bars to reopen, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation announced Friday that effective immediately, on-premises consumption of alcohol at bars is suspended statewide because of a surge in new COVID-19 cases.
The mandatory closings come as Florida experiences a record-setting wave of new COVID-19 cases.
“We have all of our employees back at work, the PPP money is gone. Now we are in deep, deep trouble,” said Joe Harris, owner with his father, Sid Harris, of Papa Joe’s Sports Bar at 1242 Whitfield Ave.
As news spread that bars were closing, about 10 other bar owners called Harris to see what their next course of action might be. Harris was a leader in the Bradenton bar community, spearheading a petition drive and organizing a protest seeking to persuade the state to reopen bars back in May.
“We have been practicing social distancing and have had hand sanitizer on the bar. If restaurants with full bars are allowed to stay open, that is not fair,” Harris said.
Free COVID-19 testing available here
A reminder that free COVID-19 testing continues at locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties, including:
A drive-thru site near The Mall at University Town Center, in the parking lot east of Dillard’s, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until the site uses all of its test equipment for the day.
A walk-up site at Home Depot, 2350 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.or until the site uses all of its test equipment for the day.
A walk-up site at Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.or until the site uses all of its test equipment for the day.
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 has 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.
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.
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.
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 6:47 AM.