Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 25
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Another COVID-19 death reported in Manatee
A Manatee County resident is among the 135 new COVID-19 deaths reported in Florida on Friday, according to the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health.
The local death toll in Manatee County now stands at 153.
Across the state, 5,653 residents have died from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The death of another non-resident was also reported, making a total of 115 since the pandemic got underway.
In Manatee County, there were 268 new cases of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Since the pandemic started, at least 7,520 people in Manatee have contracted the virus.
Statewide, there were a total of 12,626 new cases, making 402,312 total cases since the pandemic got underway.
Teachers, parents protest school opening plans
On Friday, they took their case to the Manatee County Health Department.
COVID-19 kills long-time aide to Rep. Vern Buchanan
Gary Tibbetts, 66, a special assistant to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan since 2011 died of complications from COVID-19 on Friday.
“Devastated by the death of my longtime staffer Gary Tibbetts, who passed away today at Manatee Memorial Hospital from COVID-19. Gary was the consummate professional and a true public servant in every sense of the word,” Buchanan said Friday in a statement posted to Facebook and Twitter.
“He touched so many lives and was loved and respected by those who knew him. I will never forget his uplifting spirit, sense of humor and sheer joy at helping others. Sandy and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Valerie and family. He will be missed greatly,” Buchanan said.
Mr. Tibbetts was a fixture in the Bradenton area, holding office hours to meet with constituents who had questions, comments or concerns regarding federal matters, and attending ribbon cuttings and other special events for Buchanan.
Asked whether anyone in Buchanan’s office will have to quarantine because of Mr. Tibbett’s diagnosis, the office said no, because neither the congressman nor other staff had recent contact with Mr. Tibbets.
Palmetto Boys & Girls Club closes because of COVID-19
The Palmetto Boys & Girls Club is temporarily closed after club and staff members tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County President and CEO Dawn Stanhope confirmed the closure of the Palmetto Club, 1600 10th St. W., in an email to the Bradenton Herald on Friday afternoon. The organization first learned of the test results Wednesday and opted to close the facility so that it can be deep cleaned.
“Safety is the No. 1 priority of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and we are doing everything possible to keep children and our staff protected from the COVID-19 virus,” Stanhope wrote.
Operations are still set to continue at other local Boys & Girls Clubs, Stanhope explained, noting that the organization has implemented health screenings, frequent handwashing, masks and social distancing into their daily routines.
“We are monitoring the situation diligently and will continue to operate as long as we are able to provide a safe environment for young people,” Stanhope said. “As always, we place the safety of our youth and staff at the highest level.”
WNBA season to tip off ... in Bradenton
When television broadcasts for the WNBA’s 2020 season begin Saturday, Bradenton will be front and center to a national audience.
Games are taking place at Feld Entertainment with lodging and training at IMG Academy for a WNBA season that took a twist, because of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally, IMG tried to land the NBA, which settled on Walt Disney World and the Orlando area to finish its season, and those conversations led to securing a home for the 12-team WNBA, IMG senior vice president Chris Ciaccio said.
“The WNBA just seemed like a great fit, both with their leadership, with their core values and their objectives and what they’re trying to achieve,” Ciaccio said. “It really was a good fit from day one.”
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.