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Tag: COVID-19

Masks remain optional in Bradenton Beach

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach City Commission is not mandating that masks and face coverings be worn and there are no plans to close the county beaches during the Fourth of July weekend.

During this morning’s weekly emergency city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie said County Administrator Cheri Coryea informed him that the county has no meetings scheduled this week to consider closing the beaches before or during the Fourth of July weekend. Manatee County commissioners are currently on their annual summer break.

The only reference to masks and face coverings made at today’s meeting came in the form of a letter the city received from Lynn Selander.

“As a very concerned citizen of Bradenton Beach, of a certain age with underlying medical conditions, I am asking that you take decisive action to join with our neighbors in Holmes Beach to protect the health and safety of our community members by requiring face masks/coverings to be worn in public,” Selander’s letter said.

“Recommending is not enough. Since Manatee County opened the beaches, Publix, Walgreens, CVS and other stores serving Island residents have been overwhelmed by visitors taking a ‘vacation’ from the COVID pandemic, not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing.

“The preponderance of our resident population falls into the at risk category. The CDC and responsible medical experts are clear that wearing face coverings significantly reduces the spread of the COVID virus. This is a very small thing we can all do that can mean the difference between life and death for ourselves and the vulnerable among us as our infection numbers in continue to spike.

“This is not a political issue. It is a human issue. Please step up and mandate the wearing of face coverings in public as part of the Bradenton Beach response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Selander wrote.

The commission did not discuss the letter after City Clerk Terri Sanclemente read it into the public record. The commission did extend the city’s local state of emergency for another seven days.

First COVID-19 case reported in Anna Maria

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), the first positive COVID-19 case in Anna Maria became known on Friday, June 26.

The case appeared on the Saturday, June 27 Daily COVID-19 Data Report. FDOH distributes the daily data reports via email and they are also archived at the Florida Division of Emergency Management website, www.floridadisaster.org.

According to Monday’s daily data report, no additional positive cases had been reported in Anna Maria. As of early Monday afternoon, eight positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Bradenton Beach and seven positive cases have been reported in Holmes Beach since the pandemic began.

As of Monday, 1,954 positive cases had been reported in the city of Bradenton and 2,792 Manatee County residents and 18-non-residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

According to the online FDOH COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard that uses much of the same data, there had been a total of 262 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Manatee County and 130 COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County since the pandemic began. Of those deaths, 88 (67.6%) have been attributed to residents or employees at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities.

As of Monday, 39,610 people in Manatee County had been tested since the pandemic began. Of those tests, 36,783 came back negative and 2,810 came back positive for COVID-19. A positive test result is then attributed to the zip code shown on the tested person’s driver’s license or ID.

As of Monday, 7.1% of all those tested in Manatee County tested positive. The percent positive rate increased by 1% since Tuesday, June 23, when Public Safety Director Jake Sauer reported a 6.1% positive rate to county commissioners.

Sauer told county commissioners the 35208 zip code in Manatee County had the highest number of COVID-19-positive cases in the entire Tampa Bay region. As of Monday, there had been 571 positive cases reported to date in the 35208 zip code that includes Samoset. There had been 343 reported cases to date in the adjacent 35203 zip code that includes Oneco.

County and state increases

Last week saw significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Manatee County and Florida.

The FDOH Dashboard reported 39 new cases in Manatee on Monday, June 22; 114 new cases on Tuesday; 67 new cases on Wednesday; 168 new cases on Thursday; 270 new cases on Friday; 95 new cases on Saturday and 76 new cases on Sunday. During that seven-day period, 829 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Manatee County.

As of Monday, FDOH reported 146,341 positive COVID-19 cases in Florida, with 143,805 of those being Florida residents. There were 3,447 COVID-19 deaths and 14,354 hospitalizations reported since the pandemic began. In Florida, 1,819 (52.7%) of the reported COVID-19 deaths have been attributed to residents and employees at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities.

FDOH reported 3,823 new Florida resident cases on Monday, June 22; 5,452 new cases on Tuesday; 4,965 new cases on Wednesday; 8,813 new cases on Thursday; 9,557 new cases on Friday; 8,424 new cases on Saturday and 5,409 new cases on Sunday. During that seven-day period, 46,443 Florida residents tested positive for COVID-19.

Since the pandemic began, 1,914,151 people have been tested in Florida. Of those, 1,766,402 tests have come came back negative and 146,341 tests have come back positive. As of Monday, the percent positive rate had increased to 7.6% statewide.

Holmes Beach logo OLD

Face masks/coverings required in Holmes Beach

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Beginning today anyone entering a restaurant or other business in Holmes Beach has to wear a face mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19, with a few exceptions.

If you are in a situation where you can’t social distance outside, maintaining a space of at least 6 feet from others not in your family or group, a face mask also is required.

And while police and code compliance officers will only be giving warnings over the weekend, beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, officers will give a warning followed by a $250 fine for a second offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Commissioners voted unanimously during an emergency meeting held virtually to adopt an emergency ordinance requiring people in the city to wear face masks inside businesses and when they can’t maintain proper social distancing outside. There’s an exception to the rule for people with a medical condition that prevents them from being able to safely wear a mask and for children under 2 years old.

While masks are required when entering a restaurant, they can be removed once patrons are seated to allow for eating and drinking.

The new rules don’t apply just to patrons, they also apply to workers at local businesses.

Everyone who is not exempt from the rule and is required to wear a mask should wear one that covers both the nose and mouth. It can be a surgical mask, homemade cloth mask, gaiter or bandana.

While police and code compliance officers will be able to issue warnings and tickets to individuals who are not compliant with the new mask regulations, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the officers’ first priority is education about the mask requirements with enforcement by levying fines reserved as a last resort for people who refuse to abide by the mask regulations.

City Attorney Tom Thanus, sitting in for Patricia Petruff, said that the ordinance goes into effect as soon as it’s approved by commissioners and the mayor, however, it must be published before it becomes enforceable, leading to Sunday afternoon being the date enforcement can begin.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he liked being able to give time to officers for the education of local business owners and residents before beginning enforcement of the ordinance.

Unless the ordinance is extended, it automatically expires in 61 days.

Tokajer said the city is printing up signs to be made available to business owners to place at the entrances of their businesses. He equated wearing a mask to the “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rule employed by many businesses. He added that anyone who receives a fine for not wearing a mask will be able to appeal the fine by appearing before the special magistrate.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said she’s spoken with Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, whom she said put her support behind the mask ordinance. On June 23 and again on June 24 Manatee County commissioners voted to leave the county mask requirements as a suggestion to wear a mask in public rather than a mandate.

Commissioners all expressed their thanks to city staff for getting the ordinance together so quickly and for their support for the requirement to wear masks.

“If wearing a mask would save a life, why would you not do it?” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, adding that the commissioners are charged with protecting residents.

Commissioner Kim Rash cited information from the Centers for Disease Control, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic that all recommended wearing masks over the nose and mouth to slow the spread of COVID-19 in addition to frequent handwashing and sanitization practices.

“My top priority is the safety of the people and residents of Holmes Beach,” he said, adding that the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Manatee County was a cause for concern.

Some members of the public also spoke up during the meeting from both sides of the issue.

“I think this is way overdue,” said Richard Motzer, a retired paramedic. “You have to look at everyone, not just yourself.”

“I applaud this move,” Gale Tedhams said. “The data does show action needs to be taken.” She added that she and others she knows are making the decision to patronize businesses based on whether or not staff members are wearing masks.

“I think the mask thing is way overrated,” Richard Hosterman said. Vicki McIntyre said that she feels each person should be able to make their own decision regarding wearing masks. Maria DiMenna said that she also thinks it’s too much for the local government to try to control people’s actions.

“If people are that fearful, they need to stay home,” she said.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that while he is in favor of requiring masks in businesses and when social distancing isn’t an option, he said he’d received many comments on the issue, including some that threatened legal action against the city if a mask ordinance was enacted. Thanus addressed the issue, stating that he believes the ordinance is legally sound and would stand up to a test in court.

“If we all do it we’re protecting each other and can finally get this thing under control, at least in our community,” Commissioner Jim Kihm said, urging everyone to wear masks correctly and make sure to clean cloth masks or change disposable ones.

As of June 24, the city of Holmes Beach saw a jump in COVID-19 cases from one to five, with six cases in Bradenton Beach.

Related coverage

State health officer: ‘Wear your mask’

County commission has no plans to make masks mandatory

Spike in COVID-19 cases follows reopenings

County commission has no plans to make masks mandatory

County commission has no plans to make masks mandatory

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – This afternoon, Manatee County commissioners informally discussed face masks as they pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic, but no commissioner proposed making masks mandatory or pursuing a county ordinance that would enact such a law.

“I wish every person would have a sense of personal responsibility that they could cause the death of somebody by bringing this home. Do I think it’s right to have an ordinance that mandates you wear a mask? No, because I don’t think it will do any good. As your chair of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, I think you should wear a mask when you’re out in public,” Commission Chair Betsy Benac said.

Commissioner Misty Servia proposed the commission collectively issue and continue to issue a public health alert using the reverse 911 system and various other communication platforms at the county’s disposal.

When reading aloud her proposed public health alert, Servia said, “COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus and currently a worldwide pandemic with no cure. The current death rate of positive cases in Manatee County is 10%. Manatee County urges all businesses to require patrons and staff, as well as our citizens, to take these smart steps to keep yourself, your family and our community safe:

  • Frequently wash your hands;
  • Don’t touch your face;
  • Maintain a 6-foot social distance from others;
  • Wear a mask when inside buildings and public transit;
  • Avoid large crowds as much as possible:
  • Our vulnerable populations should remain safer at home much as possible.”

Servia’s motion received some initial support but eventually died without a second from another commissioner.

Benac noted business owners have the right to require employees and patrons to wear masks, but that remains a decision each business owner must make.

Public Safety Director Jake Sauer said Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees recently issued a statement similar to Servia’s proposed health alert.

https://amisun.com/2020/06/22/state-health-officer-wear-your-mask/

Servia said she was OK if the commission wanted to issue Rivkees’ message instead of the public health alert she drafted.

Commissioner Priscilla Trace made a motion directing Sauer and County Administrator Cheri Coryea to come up with some form of public health statement to be presented to the commission no later than the conclusion of the commission’s land use meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

The commission voted 5-2 in favor of Trace’s motion. Commissioner Carol Whitmore and Steve Jonsson opposed the motion.

Whitmore said she wanted more time to consider what was being proposed. Jonsson did not explain his vote, but during the discussion, he expressed his opposition to mandatory masks. He questioned how a mandatory mask requirement could be enforced and he stressed the importance of each individual taking personal responsibility for protecting themselves and their loved ones.

During the meeting, Sauer told commissioners positive COVID-19 cases and the percentage of positive tests continue to rise in Manatee County. He said those numbers rose significantly in the past week or so and are not attributed to increased testing.

Eight people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, while no cases have been reported in Anna Maria, according to the Florida Department of Health. As of this morning, Florida had 111,973 reported cases with 3,333 deaths. Manatee County had 2,135 reported cases with 129 deaths.

“This indicates we have sustained community spread within our younger age groups,” Sauer told the commission.

State health officer: ‘Wear your mask’

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Health.

UPDATED June 23, 2020 at 9:58 p.m.

In response to rising COVID-19 cases, “All individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible,” with very limited exceptions, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees said in a public health advisory on June 20.

Manatee Beach cafe closed due to COVID-19

 

The Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach is closed until further notice due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. While employees have been required to wear masks and the café’s management has employed increased cleaning protocols and social distancing for diners, management announced on social media June 22 that the café is voluntarily closed until all employees have been tested, the building has been disinfected and a plan to reopen safely can be implemented.

Everyone over 65 or with high-risk health conditions such as lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, asthma or diabetes, among other conditions, “should limit personal interactions outside of the home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19,” according to the statement.

Measures include wearing a mask, social distancing of at least 6 feet, frequently washing hands for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and frequently cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.

The advisory discourages gatherings of more than 50 people and states, “For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and wear a face covering.”

Eight people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, while no cases have been reported in Anna Maria, according to the Florida Department of Health. As of today, Florida had 111,973 reported cases with 3,333 deaths. Manatee County had 2,135 reported cases with 129 deaths.

Related coverage

Spike in COVID-19 cases follow reopenings

COVID-19 heavily impacting tourism

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

The coronavirus pandemic has sickened the local tourism industry, but local officials plan to ask the state for a shot in the arm by moderating some vacation rental restrictions, the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) learned on Monday.

April visitation to the county was down 82.3%, occupancy was down 83.4% and the average daily rate was down 26.4% from the previous April, said Anne Wittine, of Research Data Services, the county’s tourism consultant.

However, she said, “It is a testament to the strength of Manatee’s tourism industry… that year to date we are only down 12.1% in visitation and 11.7% in economic impact.”

A new traveler sentiment survey indicates that optimism about traveling has been down due to concerns about health, she said.

The first week of June, 34% of those surveyed said they thought the state was reopening from COVID-19 shutdowns too quickly; the second week of June, as coronavirus cases spiked, that sentiment increased to 42%.

People surveyed are feeling less safe from the first to the second week of June about dining in a restaurant, shopping, participating in outdoor recreation, going to indoor attractions, visiting friends and relatives, going to the beach, going to theme parks and visiting a new destination, she told the TDC.

Among the biggest concerns about traveling during COVID-19 were not being able to return home, being quarantined away from home and flight cancellations.

A survey question, “Is this a destination you would be interested in visiting?” resulted in a loss of confidence from 28.9% the last week in May to 22.7% the second week of June.

However, Wittine said there is reason for optimism that sentiments are turning around.

“We asked people what one word is that would describe their feelings about tourism,” she said. The first week of June, people were saying, “Absolutely no,” but by the second week, the majority sentiment had changed to “cautious,” she said.

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Director Elliott Falcione said that many visitors to the area are making 12- to 14-hour drives to come here with their family, a slight difference in the county’s typical visitor profile of older couples.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore commented that the survey shows the hesitancy of visitors to come to the county, probably due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.

“It’s telling me that people aren’t ready yet, but I think we need to stay in their faces,” she said.

CVB to request change in COVID guidelines

On Tuesday, June 16, the CVB was scheduled to ask the Manatee County Commission to amend county vacation rental guidelines on COVID-19 to allow visitors from certain states that are currently prohibited, Falcione said.

“It will give our vacation rentals a lot of flexibility,” he said.

Under current guidelines, visitors from states that have 700 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people are restricted, he said.

If the commission approves the amendment, the county administrator could ask the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation to eliminate that restriction and instead limit the restricted areas to those identified by the governor as high risk (currently New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana).

Reservations would be required to be longer than the quarantine period established by the state and groups of visitors would still be limited to no more than 10 people, or fewer depending on municipal occupancy limits, according to the recommendation.

The next TDC meeting is scheduled on Monday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m., tentatively at Holmes Beach City Hall.

In other business:

  • John Horne, of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, reported that some local restaurants have not yet opened for various reasons, including concerns about being profitable at 50% capacity. He thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis for allowing expanded outdoor dining, municipalities for relaxing their criteria on signage to allow restaurants to advertise that they’re open, and the CVB for lobbying to get short-term vacation rentals open.
  • Mark Stuckey, of the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, reported that traffic has increased from 10,000 to 40,000 passengers since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, but traffic is down 21% year to date. Airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks at all times and the airport has installed Plexiglas windows and increased sanitization measures to protect passengers, he said.
  • CVB website manager Emily Knight reported that the CVB stopped advertising for tourism on its website on March 16 due to European borders closing, causing website traffic to drop; traffic rebounded when beaches were reopened in May. A COVID-19 page was added to advise prospective visitors about updates and a “Bring Bradenton Home” page was added to let people virtually experience the destination. In April, a message was launched that “The Bradenton Area Misses You Too.”
  • Sean Walter, of the CVB’s sports marketing program, reported 40 canceled events due to COVID-19, a loss of $35 million. However, 20 tentative events have been scheduled at Premiere Sports Campus from 2020-2022. Visitation outreach will focus on drive markets due to visitors’ concerns about flying, he said.
  • Michele Schulz, of the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office, reported that her office has posted a message on its website in conjunction with the CVB that “Tourism is back!” The office sent emails to more than 5,000 people and letters to nearly 2,500 to refer them to the website, since many were not visiting it due to not having to pay tourist taxes while vacation rentals were closed.

Spike in COVID-19 cases follows reopenings

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Health.

Manatee County had the highest spike in COVID-19 cases in a month on Thursday, June 11, with 56 new cases reported by the Florida Department of Health.

Statewide cases also spiked that day with 1,663 new cases.

The CDC ranks Manatee County fifth among Florida counties for the number of COVID-19 deaths.

The increases come within three weeks of the May 21 reopening of Florida vacation rentals from state-imposed closures intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Gov. Ron DeSantis reopened beaches, restaurants, retail stores and state parks on May 4, hair and nail salons on May 11, and gyms on May 18.

The incubation period for the coronavirus, or COVID-19, is up to 14 days, with more than 97% of people developing symptoms withing 11.5 days of becoming infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

From May 13 to June 11, new cases of COVID-19 trended upward both countywide and statewide.

As of June 11, 1,309 people in Manatee County with the coronavirus have been reported, with 114 people who died from the disease.

The CDC ranks Manatee County fifth among Florida counties for the number of COVID-19 deaths.

No cases were reported in Anna Maria or Cortez and fewer than five were reported in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach combined.

Statewide as of June 11, there have been 70,971 people with COVID-19 in Florida, and 2,877 people have died from the disease – more than the number of people who died in the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, which killed 2,753 people, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica.

The CDC predicts more than 3,500 more cases in Florida by July 1.

Nationwide, 2,038,344 cases of coronavirus have been reported, with 114,625 deaths.

Related coverage

State health officer: ‘Wear your mask’

 

 

Tips for staying safer from coronavirus

Groceries

Order groceries online or use curbside pickup. If you must shop in a store, stay at least 6 feet away from others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering, go during hours when fewer people will be there and if you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk and shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions or are immune compromised. Disinfect the shopping cart with disinfecting wipes if available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.

Deliveries, mail and takeout

Use delivery services when possible, having bags of ordered food left on a home doorstep. Limit in-person contact if possible. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after accepting deliveries or collecting mail.

Banking

Bank online when possible. If you must go inside the bank, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after any deposit, withdrawal, exchange, drive-thru visit or use of an ATM.

Wash your hands thoroughly when you arrive home.

Getting gas

Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before you touch them (if available). After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you get home or somewhere with soap and water.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Island churches welcome parishioners

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Churches, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the Island’s six churches were forced to close their doors to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, they’re now beginning the process of slowly and safely reopening.

CrossPointe Fellowship

8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

CrossPointe Fellowship has opened its doors to the public for worship services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays with Children’s Church at 9 a.m. and Life Groups for all ages at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend in person while maintaining proper social distancing. Face masks/coverings are optional. For those who don’t yet feel comfortable attending in person, services also are available to join online.

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation

4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is open to parishioners who want to worship in person for 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. services on Sundays. Attendees are asked to wear a face mask and physical distancing measures are being enforced. For parishioners who aren’t comfortable attending an in-person service, the church is continuing to stream the 9:30 a.m. service live on Facebook. Anyone who would like to attend a service is asked to reserve a space by calling the church office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is not open for worship services until September, though church leaders say they will reassess the situation in August. Until then, parishioners and the public can join Rev. Doug Kings for 9:30 a.m. services every Sunday online at YouTube.

Harvey Memorial Community Church

300 Church St. N., Bradenton Beach

Harvey Memorial Church is still closed to the public for the time being but parishioners and the public can still worship online with Rev. Stephen King on Facebook.

Roser Memorial Community Church

512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria

Roser Memorial Community Church is open for Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Attendees are required to wear a mask or face covering and reserve a seat at their desired time to attend by noon on Saturday. Once on site, ushers will guide parishioners to their seats where they are asked to remain throughout the service. Visit Roser Church or call 941-778-0414 to attend. For parishioners who aren’t yet comfortable attending in-person services, the 10 a.m. worship service will continue to be streamed online. The Roser Memorial Chapel is open Monday through Friday during church office hours for individual prayer and reflection. A sanitation station is located inside the door.

St. Bernard Catholic Church

248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach

St. Bernard Catholic Church has reopened its doors to the public and is welcoming parishioners to daily Mass Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. with a 4 p.m. Saturday vigil and 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Attendees are required to wear a face mask or covering and observe social distancing. Confession is currently suspended until further notice. To attend church services, please contact the church office at 941-778-4769 or visit the website.

WHO, CDC agree face masks vital to reduce COVID-19

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reversed its stance on face masks, now agreeing with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), saying masks should be worn in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

New information shows masks can provide “a barrier for potentially infectious droplets,” according to the organization, which previously said there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks.

“In light of evolving evidence, the WHO advises that governments should encourage the general public to wear masks where there is widespread transmission and physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments,” WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday.

Choose the right mask fabric

 

The WHO recommends a minimum of three layers of non-stretch fabric for non-medical masks, constructed as follows:

– an innermost layer of cotton or cotton blends;

– an outermost layer of polypropylene, polyester or their blends, which may limit external contamination from penetration through to the wearer’s nose and mouth;

– a middle layer of synthetic non-woven material such as polypropylene or a cotton layer which may enhance filtration or retain droplets.

 

Source: World Health Organization

 

According to the CDC, a “significant portion of individuals with coronavirus” do not experience symptoms. As a result, these individuals can unknowingly spread the virus to those around them. Cloth face coverings can help prevent those who may have COVID-19 and not know it from spreading the virus, as well as keep healthy people from inhaling it.

The CDC continues to urge people to remain at home as much as possible and practice social distancing, remaining 6 feet away from all others to help prevent spread of COVID-19.

WHO and the CDC each have links showing the proper way to put on, wear and remove a face covering.

Additional prevention tips include:

  • Wash your hands often
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Avoid nonessential travel

For general information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit Florida Health, email covid-19@flhealth.gov or call 866-779-6121.

Island celebrates bar reopenings

Island celebrates bar reopenings

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Restaurants | Bars.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Florida bars reopened Friday and the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach was the first one on Anna Maria Island to restart its business.

Anchor Inn owners Darla and Bobby Tingler hosted a soft reopening that began at 12:01 a.m. in accordance with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-139 – an order that allowed bars, bowling alleys, movie theaters, concert houses, arcades and other entertainment businesses to reopen at 50% capacity.

The soft reopening coincided with their son Robbie Tingler’s 21st birthday and Darla checked with Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer to make sure the 12:01 a.m. opening was allowed.

At 12:01, Darla, Bobby and the bartender on duty began serving drinks and Michael Hesselbert was the first to get a pitcher of beer.

“I missed this place. Hopefully, we’ll get a little more normalcy back in our world,” he said.

Joined by Elizabeth Shirey, Dcoy Ducks’ bartender Shane Weaver ordered two shots of Rumple Minze and said, “I’m excited to have a cheers with my friends at the Anchor.”

“I’m excited, but I still think we were picked on because the governor never gave us an explanation about why he held off so long,” Darla said.

“Two-and-a-half months is a lot of days of not getting any information,” Bobby said.

After noting the hand sanitizers and social distancing signs, Bobby said, “I’m allowed 32 or 33 people at 50% capacity and we’ll monitor it the best we can. If there’s a line outside, they’re just going to have to wait.”

Joyful reopenings

The Anchor Inn opened again at 7 a.m. Friday morning. The Drift In in Bradenton Beach also opened at 7 a.m. Tommy Knockers in Bradenton Beach opened at 9 a.m. Dcoy Ducks in Holmes Beach opened around 10:30 a.m. and the Sports Lounge in Bradenton Beach opened at noon.

Drift In bartender Susan McAllister brought homemade coffee cake and doughnuts and brewed a pot of coffee for the occasion.

“I’m excited to be back to work and glad to be getting off unemployment. I hope the country never closes like this again,” she said.

Shortly after 7 a.m., McAllister’s first customer arrived and ordered a draft beer.

“I’m glad they’re open, but I’m going to try to keep my distance. I usually don’t drink this early, but it’s a special occasion,” he said.

A few minutes later, Jim Kosco took a seat and said, “It’s wonderful. I’m missing all my friends and confidantes.”

A return to the Drift In at 3:30 p.m. found longtime patron Donald White sitting at the bar with Dan Cleary.

“It feels like a homecoming. I got my barstool back,” White said.

While working the outside bar, bartender Sharon Bell said, “I’m just over-the-moon happy to be back.”

Dos-Macs performed under a tent in the Drift In parking lot and concluded their afternoon show at 4 p.m. before the rain got heavier.

Inside the neighboring Sports Lounge, several regular customers sat around the bar celebrating the reopening as afternoon gave way to evening.

Down the road at Tommy Knockers, bartender Courtney Call discussed the reopening and said, “It’s about time. We have a good turnout. Everyone’s happy and everyone missed socializing.”

Back at the Anchor Inn, Brad the bartender had worked up a sweat and he jokingly said, “I need a vacation already.”

Around 7 p.m., Dcoy Ducks owner/general manager Richie Brown stood behind the bar and said, “We love being back open and seeing all of our Island friends and loyal customers. We know we’ll be at full 50% capacity later tonight. On Fridays and Saturdays we always have a doorman, but tonight we’re going to have two – and we’ll do that for the first couple weeks to make sure everyone is safe.”

Brown also weighed in on bars being among the last Florida businesses to reopen.

“It’s been about two and a half months. I think it was long overdue for the bars. The rent, the mortgage, the utilities – those bills keep coming in. They don’t stop just because we’re closed,” he said.

Doorman Matt Vinski said, “My job is to make sure people practice social distancing and to keep a count on how many people are coming and going to make sure we stay at our capacity.”

At The Doctor’s Office, craft cocktails to go were sold as business operations resumed.

Meanwhile, Sports Lounge bartenders Courtney McGough and Patrick Edwards were surrounded by friends and familiar faces.

“We are excited to see all those faces we’ve missed for so long,” McGough said.

Inside the Drift In, Concrete Edgar was rocking out again on a Friday night.

Wearing a mask while tending bar, manager Doreen Flynn said, “I took some bar tables out and moved some stools to different spots. It’s a challenge to keep it at 50% inside and I’ve had to ask some people to please go outside where the capacity is 100%. But we missed everybody, and everybody loves us being open.”

Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

Tourist season’s tax receipts plummet due to COVID-19

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Business, Featured, Tourism.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Tourist tax collections for March and April reflect the strain that COVID-19 closures had on Anna Maria Island vacation rentals before Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed them to resume business on May 21.

April collections, released this month by the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office, reflect a 90% drop in Anna Maria and 85% drops in both Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach over April 2019. Countywide, tourist tax receipts dropped 70%.

Collections in March, the height of the local tourist season, were down 64% in Bradenton Beach and 46% in both Anna Maria and Holmes Beach over March 2019. In all of Manatee County, tax collections were down 52% for that same period.

The March and April declines are far greater than even Hurricane Irma’s impact on local tourism, according to Tax Collector records. In October 2017, the month after Irma hit the west coast of Florida, local tourist tax receipts were down only 8% in Holmes Beach from October 2016, and increased by 1% in Anna Maria and 4% in Bradenton Beach from the previous year.

March and April 2020 collections are in sharp contrast to January and February collections, paid before the state closed vacation rentals to limit the spread of the coronavirus on March 27.

In January, Anna Maria was up 13%, Bradenton Beach was down less than 1% and Holmes Beach was up 35%. In February, Anna Maria was up 30%, Bradenton Beach was up 4% and Holmes Beach was up 45%.

Manatee County’s 5% tourist tax is collected from vacation rental owners who rent accommodations for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists.

About half of the tax proceeds are allocated to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, whose budget – the majority of which is dedicated to tourism marketing –will be impacted by the drop in revenue.

Another 20% of the tax proceeds are allocated to beach renourishment. This year’s beach renourishment project, scheduled to begin in July, is already funded, but future projects may be impacted.

The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach piers.

Related coverage

 

Tourist tax collections

Bars, movie theaters, more to reopen Friday

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Health.

UPDATED JUNE 3 at 3:45 p.m.

ORLANDO – Gov. Ron DeSantis today announced phase two of his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.” plan to reopen bars and entertainment venues in 64 of Florida’s counties beginning Friday, June 5.

Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are not initially included due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Bars will be able to open at 50% capacity inside and at full capacity outside with social distancing of 6 feet. Restaurants with bars will be allowed to seat customers at the bar with chairs 6 feet apart.

Retail stores and gyms may operate at full capacity with social distancing.

Entertainment venues including movie theaters, bowling alleys and concert venues can open at 50% capacity with the same restriction.

Personal services businesses, including acupuncture and massage studios and tattoo parlors, can reopen under Florida Department of Health guidance.

People over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19, DeSantis said, adding that groups larger than 50 are discouraged.

People with new cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County in May

 

May 1              18

May 2              12

May 3              13

May 4              48

May 5              39

May 6              16

May 7              2

May 8              12

May 9              22

May 10            7

May 11            13

May 12            13

May 13            8

May 14            12

May 15            4

May 16            18

May 17            6

May 18            33

May 19            6

May 20            40

May 21            12

May 22            10

May 23            18

May 24            11

May 25            4

May 26            6

May 27            11

May 28            16

May 29            12

May 30            9

May 31            14

 

Source: Florida Department of Health

The plan to reopen the state economy from the virtual shutdown declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic recommends starting the second phase after “a downward trajectory of the syndromic and epidemiology criteria while maintaining adequate health care capacity. This will occur when there is no evidence of a rebound or resurgence of COVID-19 cases and satisfies the benchmarks outlined in this plan.”

The number of COVID-19 ICU hospitalizations has dropped since April 12 by about half statewide, DeSantis said during a press conference today in Orlando.

Comparing the 64 of Florida’s 67 counties not hardest hit by the virus with the seven states with the highest number of COVID-19 cases – New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania – DeSantis said Florida counties “would be way, way below in terms of the prevalence” of COVID-19. The governor did not compare the entire state of Florida with the rest of the states in the country.

Cases rising in county, state

In Manatee County and statewide, new cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Florida Department of Health every day since Monday, May 4. That day, in phase one of the plan, Gov. DeSantis opened beaches, outdoor restaurant dining with spacing limits and indoor dining at 25% capacity, and retail stores at 25% capacity and allowed limited use of state parks.

Also that day, 48 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Manatee County; 575 were reported statewide.

The following Monday, May 11, hair and nail salons reopened with enhanced safety protocols.

That day, 13 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Manatee County; 608 were reported statewide.

The following Monday, May 18, gyms reopened at 50% capacity and restaurants and retail stores increased their capacity from 25% to 50%.

That day, 33 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Manatee County; 614 were reported statewide.

Vacation rentals were to remain closed in the first phase of the plan; however, a lawsuit was filed against the state by vacation rental owners pointing out inconsistencies in allowing hotel and motels to open while keeping short-term rentals closed.

On Thursday, May 21, vacation rentals reopened during phase one.

That day, 12 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Manatee County; 729 were reported statewide.

In May, the county reached a grim milestone of more than 1,000 cases. As of today, there were 1,110 people with COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health. So far, 98 people in the county have died.

The Centers for Disease Control ranks Manatee County 10th in Florida counties for the number of COVID-19 cases.

Statewide, new cases also have been reported every day in May, with the worst days being May 20 and May 28, with 1,200 new cases each day, according to the Florida Department of Health.

In total, there have been 58,764 cases statewide of people with COVID-19 as of today. So far, 2,566 people in the state have died of the disease.

Short-term vacation rentals reopen for holiday weekend

Short-term vacation rentals reopen for holiday weekend

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island’s short-term vacation rentals were allowed to reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend, with some restrictions.

On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) approved the Manatee County short-term vacation rental reopening plan submitted by County Administrator Cheri Coryea. The state approval took effect immediately.

While local municipalities can still ban vacation rentals, all three Anna Maria Island cities are allowing rentals to reopen.

“Vacation rental check-ins are now allowed in Anna Maria,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Thursday afternoon after reading the approved plan.

Murphy then issued a local emergency order rescinding a previously issued order that prohibited new vacation rental reservations in that city.

The city of Holmes Beach recently allowed its local emergency orders banning short-term vacation rentals to lapse.

“I do not plan on a Holmes Beach directive extending the rental ban at this time,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said Thursday afternoon.

The city of Bradenton Beach never issued any COVID-19-related local emergency orders that further restricted vacation rental activity beyond the prohibitions set forth in DeSantis’ executive orders.

“Under the plan, vacation rental agencies may now accept bookings from residents of U.S. states with an overall COVID-19 case rate within the state of less than 700 cases per 100,000 residents as of May 15. Reservations from COVID-19 hot spots identified by the governor are to be avoided for the next 30-45 days. Reservations from international travelers will not be accepted,” according to the press release Manatee County issued Thursday afternoon. “Other guidelines spell out protocols vacation rental owners must follow to implement social distancing and still others that address the cleanliness standards of the property.”

The press release noted the short-term rental guidelines would be mostly self-policed and enforcement would be complaint-driven.

“We’re asking that vacation rental managers take extra precautions to make sure their renters have access to and follow the guidelines in the approved plan. Owners should ensure that their renters are aware and abide by the approved plan, but also any municipal restrictions in the city where the rental is located,” Coryea said in the press release.

When discussing the plan on Tuesday, May 19, county commissioners initially proposed a 24-hour turnaround time for cleaning and sanitizing vacation rentals between guest departures and new guest arrivals.

During public comment, several vacation rental owners said a minimum 24-hour turnaround time would prohibit back-to-back seven-day rentals and result in numerous cancellations.

The commission then decided to simply require “ample time” for cleaning and sanitizing and the approved five-page plan includes an entire page of cleaning and sanitation guidelines.

“Extra time must be allowed for enhanced cleaning procedures to take place between stays based upon the use of appropriate cleaning and sanitation according to CDC procedures and in accordance with this plan,” the plan says.

Local reaction

On Friday, Sato Real Estate co-owner Barbara Sato said via email, “We are very relieved that vacation rentals are open. It has been so frustrating answering the numerous daily phone calls asking when the governor will open rentals again – and why hotels, motels, and resorts are open and not being able to give them a reasonable answer. Needless to say, the word is out and our phone has been ringing non-stop. We think the approved plan is very good. I personally emailed Elliott Falcione, from the Visitors Bureau, and County Administrator Cheri Coryea to thank them for their teams’ hard work in getting it approved so quickly.”

Short-term vacation rentals reopen for holiday weekend
The phones were ringing off the hook at Sato Real Estate on Friday. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

When contacted Friday via email, Murphy said, “It is too soon to tell the impact this policy might have on the city, but we are grateful that the county has incorporated a bi-weekly review process to make adjustments to the plan. Our two areas of concern are:

  • Enforcement: Some of the requirements would appear to require an extensive enforcement effort. If these turn out to be an issue, we are not equipped to enforce some aspects of the order.
  • Remote check-in: Although seemingly in everyone’s best health interests, this policy presents serious issues of potential fraud and possibly criminal activity. The policy needs to be revisited,” Murphy wrote.

“We look forward to partnering with the county to improve the plan going forward,” he added.

Short-term vacation rentals reopen for holiday weekend
The folks at Duncan Real Estate are happy to be back in the short-term vacation rental business again. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

On Saturday afternoon, Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said via text message, “We opened Friday morning to the sound of phones ringing off the hook with guests ready to book for the summer. We have all our compliance requirements in place and we were ready for guest check-ins Saturday morning. We are thrilled and looking forward to increased bookings due to pent-up demand.”

Island bar owners, bartenders protest continued closures

Island bar owners, bartenders protest continued closures

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Manatee County.

BRADENTON – Members of Anna Maria Island’s bar industry joined their peers in protesting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to keep Florida’s bars and nightclubs closed.

The Tuesday, May 19 protest took place in front of the Wade Thompson law office on Manatee Avenue West, near downtown Bradenton. Protestors wore masks to demonstrate their willingness to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-68, an order that suspended the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption at bars and nightclubs that generate more than 50% of their revenue from alcohol sales.

Island bar owners, bartenders protest continued closures
Anchor Inn owner Darla Tingler and Drift In owner Joe Cuervo want to reopen their bars. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

DeSantis’ order currently impacts six stand-alone bars on the Island: The Drift In, the Sports Lounge and Tommyknockers Saloon AMI in Bradenton Beach and the Anchor Inn, D Coy Ducks and The Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach. Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria is currently closed for renovations. DeSantis’ order also prevents the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach from reopening.

DeSantis’ initial phase one reopening plan took effect May 4 and was expanded on May 18. As of Saturday, the full phase one reopening plan still excluded bars and nightclubs.

Tuesday’s protest coincided with a petition letter Thompson sent to DeSantis and other state and local officials on behalf of The Association of Independent Bars of Manatee.

The association was founded by Papa Joe’s Sports Bar and Scalawags Pub owners Joe and Amy Harris and Gators Lounge & Package owner Brent Cohenour and his wife Kelly. According to the petition letter, Thompson is part owner of Gators Lounge & Package.

Island bar owners, bartenders protest continued closures
Anna Maria Island Beach Café bar manager Jason Benn got plenty of responses to his sign.

The association includes Anchor Inn owners Darla and Bob Tingler, Drift In owners Joe and Angie Cuervo and Tommyknockers Saloon AMI owners Frank and Sheila Commendatore.

During the protest, Joe Cuervo said, “In the middle of March, I got five hours’ notice that I was going to be shut down. We want Governor DeSantis to know that we want to open our businesses. We’ve got families to feed and bills to pay. What difference is there getting a Coke or a drink or a beer at a bar versus going into a restaurant? Those licenses are only about $1,800 a year. Our liquor license cost us over $350,000. We need to get back to work. I’m paying my employees, but I’m about out of money. I need to get some relief and open this up.”

Standing beside Cuervo, Darla Tingler said, “We can’t open our doors just because we don’t serve $25 grouper sandwiches. We could probably social distance better in our bars than they can in many restaurants. I want to be treated equal to those that already have their doors open. We’ve missed St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve missed Easter weekend, we’re going to miss Memorial Day weekend and we missed season.”

Anna Maria Island Beach Café bar manager Jason Benn, Sports Lounge bartender Courtney McGough, Drift In bartender Dan Cleary and Drift In patron Donald White also participated in the protest.

“I just want my barstool back,” White said.

“We want to get the bars back open again so everybody can get back to work and make money,” Joe Harris said.

Similar protests have occurred in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach and elsewhere in Florida.
On May 19, David Marshlack, owner of JWags Saloon in St. Petersburg, filed a lawsuit against DeSantis.

“We are going to have our day in court. This should be fun. Now they have opened movie theatres, massage parlors, breweries and the casinos, but bars can’t open still. Guess we are going to find out how they came up with this set of rules,” says the JWags St. Pete Facebook page.

Petition letter

Thompson’s May 19 petition letter said, “The Association of Independent Bars of Manatee would like to remind the governor, state and local governmental officials that our staff and employees are loyal, hard-working people with families that rely on them, who pay taxes and are proud members of our community. Many of them work long hours, have limited resources, and live paycheck-to-paycheck without a safety net or other support to help them.

“Our businesses offer our community an essential place for citizens to congregate, network and socialize. These businesses have been mistreated and discriminated against without due consideration or scientific analysis by the government’s unilateral decision to keep us closed without the opportunity to offer alternative and mitigating, operating procedures which would adequately protect our customers, employees and their families. The resulting hardship on our business, staff and employees is unfair and avoidable. We would hereby demand immediate consideration by the governor, state and local authorities of lifting the ban on the continued closing of bars and lounges,” the letter said.

The letter also addressed modified business practices that include hand sanitizing stations for patrons and employees, compliance with social distancing and CDC guidelines, single-use cups and masks worn by bar employees.

Bradenton Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

TDC recommends opening vacation rentals

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business, Tourism.

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) took the first step on Monday to reopen vacation rentals countywide, including on Anna Maria Island.

TDC Chair and Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia persuaded fellow TDC members to recommend that Manatee County commissioners remove the COVID-19 prohibition on short-term vacation rentals.

Under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan effective Monday, county commissioners can submit a plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval to allow short-term vacation rental properties to reopen to guests. The plan would likely require working with owners and managers of vacation rentals to come up with strategies to meet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requirements for disinfecting and cleaning of units between guests.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), said that he’s been working with other west coast Florida county leaders to help develop a plan for vacation rentals that would provide some consistency for owners and visitors.

Servia added that coordination with the leaders of the three Anna Maria Island cities, where many of the county’s short-term rentals are located, would be a key component to success. Falcione said that no matter what plan is enacted, it will be up to the city leaders to oversee the operation of the vacation rental properties.

Local vacation rental owners who spoke during public comment said they are ready to reopen their units to visitors and are willing to abide by any necessary regulations to keep their properties safe for renters.

The recommendation passed in a unanimous vote. Members Ed Chiles, an Island restaurateur, and Wayne Poston, mayor of Bradenton, were absent from the meeting.

Marketing during COVID-19

The new short-term marketing recovery plan, debuted by Falcione and Dave DiMaggio, has two implementation phases. Phase one involves bringing visitors in from drivable markets, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties and Atlanta with plans to expand the advertising area up as far north as Memphis and Nashville and as far west as New Orleans.

Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the worst three counties in the state for COVID-19, with nearly 27,000 cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Manatee County has 867 cases as of Monday.

DiMaggio said that when deciding which markets to spend advertising dollars in, the overall health of the area and whether it’s a COVID-19 hotspot will be considered first along with how economically stable the target markets are.

The second phase involves bringing airline passengers back to the area. DiMaggio said that the success of phase two involves coordinating and sharing data with local airports, including Tampa International Airport and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. For some of this data, he said he would be looking closely at the information provided by Anne Wittine of Research Data Services, the county’s tourism consultant, to see how comfortable people feel about travel and flying to their vacation destinations.

Wittine presented the results of a travel sentiment pulse poll which showed numbers trending upward over the past two weeks toward people being more comfortable with travel and ready to take a vacation. While 52% of the people polled are concerned about reopening the state too quickly, Wittine said that 15.9% of people say that travel is essential to them and they’re ready to get back out there. Of the people who participated in the poll, Wittine said she’s seeing a trend toward people’s intent to travel increasing in the late summer months, specifically July. She added that of the people willing to travel, 78.2% of them feel most comfortable traveling by car, which lines up with the first phase of the TDC’s new marketing plan.

DiMaggio said the second phase includes continuing to target drivers and targeting fliers from the Midwest and northeast of the United States.

He said he expects that some segments of the market will be slower to recover, including people who travel for sporting events, work conferences and travelers from the United Kingdom and Central Europe.

Falcione said that he would be utilizing a month-to-month budget approach, periodically re-evaluating how and where the CVB’s limited advertising budget is spent to determine where those funds will have the most impact to help get the local tourism economy back up and running.

The TDC next meets June 15 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

Related coverage

DeSantis expands reopening plans, opens door for vacation rentals

DeSantis: Restaurants, retail can open; vacation rentals cannot

Mayor issues executive order for vacation rentals