Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 24
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Three more COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
Three Manatee County residents were among the 173 COVID-19 deaths reported by the Florida Department of Health on Thursday. The statewide number was the highest number of deaths reported in one day since the start of the pandemic.
The local official death toll now stands at 152. One of the three deaths reported in Manatee County was a resident or staffer at a long-term care facility.
Statewide, the official death is now 5,518.
Meanwhile another 10,249 people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.
In Manatee County, there were 174 new cases of people testing positive, bringing the total of local cases to 7,252. Statewide, there have been a total of 389,868 positive cases.
No citations issued on Anna Maria Island for not wearing masks
The cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach about a month ago were the first local governments in Manatee County to adopt rules requiring people to wear masks in public buildings and local businesses.
As of Thursday, no one had been cited, officials said.
Read more here.
Manatee Technical College announces reopening plan
Classes will resume at Manatee Technical College on Aug. 6, the trade school announced Thursday.
Courses will be offered in a hybrid format that requires students to alternate each day of the week between online and in-person learning.
Read more here.
Ellenton restaurant earns COVID-19 safety award
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant, 525 51st Ave. E., Ellenton, is the first restaurant in the state to achieve the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Seal of Commitment.
The award is for demonstrating dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s fantastic. It shows that people are concerned and that’s something we all need to be doing,” said John Horne, owner of AMOB.
In June, an employee at the same restaurant tested positive for COVID-19. That worker recovered at home. Horne elected to keep the restaurant open, intensify cleaning and sanitation practices, and require customers to wear masks, rather than shutting down the operation.
“We wanted to be the first restaurant to receive the FRLA Seal of Commitment as we feel it is so important to not only talk the talk but walk the walk in keeping our restaurants safe and secure for our guests and our staff during these crazy times,” Horne said. “Having the FRLA’s Seal behind us lets our guests know loud and clear that we are committed to everyone’s healthy return to our – and all – restaurants in Florida.”
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.
Free masks are available in Manatee County
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.