Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 29
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Two more COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
Two Manatee County residents were among the record 186 new COVID-19 deaths announced on Tuesday by the Florida Department of Health. The total number of infections in Manatee County surpassed 8,000.
The state’s death toll now stands at 6,117. In Manatee County, a total of 158 residents have died from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The previous fatality record was set on Thursday, when 173 deaths were reported.
The health department also reported the deaths of five more non-residents, which it tallies separately. That total is now 123.
There were also 9,230 new cases of people testing positive for the coronavirus statewide on Tuesday. The state has now had at least 441,977 people who have been infected.
In Manatee County, there were 108 new cases confirmed. The locally tally of infections now stands at 8,090.
School board OKs spending on face shields, desk partitions
The School Board of Manatee County has continued to form a battle plan to fight COVID-19 in the new school year. The time for preparation is running out, with teachers slated to return on Monday and students scheduled to begin on Aug. 17.
The board voted 4-1 to spend up to $350,000 on face shields and desk partitions during a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. The motion was separate from the $325,000 already approved for cloth face masks in early June.
Read more here.
Famed Bradenton restaurant closes because of COVID-19
Linger Lodge Restaurant announced this week that it has closed until further notice because of the rise in COVID-19 cases.
The restaurant, located on a bend in the Braden River at 7205 85th St. Court E., is known for its collection of Americana and taxidermy. It has been a folk tradition and Bradenton area landmark since 1945. The restaurant is also known for its menu which features frog legs, alligator bites and catfish.
“Everyone has been doing 120 percent beyond what they are required to do. But the disease has been spreading more and more and it feels like it is getting way too close to home. We decided to close now and come back later with a bang,” restaurant manager Ruth Hofer said. No Linger Lodge staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, nor have any customers that she knows about, she said.
Another high school graduation at LECOM Park
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 at Braden River High School.
Manatee County’s COVID-19 mask mandate goes into effect
Here’s everything you need to know about the new requirements.
Free masks are available in Manatee County
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 July 29, 2020 at 7:30 AM.