Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 31
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
COVID-19 kills three more Manatee County residents
Three more deaths are being attributed to COVID-19 in Manatee County and 150 new cases were reported on Thursday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The death toll rose to 176 since the onset of the pandemic in March when the first COVID-19 death was reported. Manatee County’s total number of cases jumped to 8,337.
After Florida’s deadliest day on Wednesday, the state set a new record with another 253 deaths on Thursday. Also, there were 9,956 new cases statewide, raising. the total number of infections in Florida rose to 461,379.
Testing sites to remain open
Despite the earlier possibility that what is now Hurricane Isaias migh threaten the area, state-run COVID-19 testing sites in Manatee County will remain Friday and into the weekend.
The locations are:
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.
Palmetto church plans lawsuit over mask mandate
A group of anti-mask mandate protesters will be joined by a Florida lawmaker Monday morning as they announce their decision to file a lawsuit against Manatee County Government.
A “freedom rally” led by a Palmetto pastor and State Rep. Anthony Sabatini is planned for outside the Manatee County Courthouse, 1115 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. In a release, the group said it will file suit against the county government’s “overreach.”
“The medical mask mandate is an overreach of the government without due consideration for the difficulty and abridgment of religious practice placed upon Manatee County houses of worship,” the release said. “This rally will promote the idea that our government must limit itself and that it has overstepped constitutional boundaries of freedom of religion, private property and personal liberty.”
Read more here.
How many kids are returning to brick-and-mortar school in Manatee?
The school district has provided some answers.
Another high school graduation
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 at Palmetto High School.
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.