A number of local and state resources have been made available to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 to help keep companies alive as customers and employees self-isolate. From a state bridge loan program to business damage survey, officials in government and area commerce groups are working to provide resources to businesses in Southwest Florida.

“In these unprecedented times, the Florida Legislature took many responsive and responsible actions during the 2020 Legislative Session to strengthen our state,” said David Hart, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “More remains to be done for sure, but for now we must all pull together as Floridians and Americans. We will get through this and be stronger than ever.”

• Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which will be managed by the Department of Economic Opportunity. Small businesses affected by COVID-19 with two to 100 employees can apply for short term loans up to $50,000.

• The Small Business Administration is also accepting applications for disaster loans. Up to $2 million can be provided to help small businesses overcome temporary revenue losses for qualifying companies. Interest rates for businesses can be as low as 3.75%, according to the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, and nonprofits can get loans with interest rates as low as 2.75%.

• The DEO is also conduction a Business Damage Assessment Survey to better assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida businesses.

• For employees who have lost their jobs, the DEO has also devoted resources for the Reemployment Assistance Service Center, where individuals can apply for benefits and for reemployment and job assistance.

• Industry specific assistance is also available through a varity of funds including the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund, One Fair Wage Emergency Coronavirus Affected (Tipped) Workers Support Fund. 

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will begin offering free fixed route transit and Handy Bus service starting today. The special includes MCAT Route 99 buses that travel into Sarasota County. With free fare, passengers can board and de-board using the rear door of the Transit/Trolley system. Rear door boarding and de-boarding creates more social distancing by eliminating the need for passengers to board at the front door to access the fare box, adjacent to the transit operator. The MCAT safety precautions already underway include comprehensive fleet and facility sanitizing procedures, daily sanitizing bus wipe-downs, transit bus wipe-downs during layovers at Transit Stations. Hand sanitizers are available onboard the entire fleet. “With economic decline underway already due to the coronavirus pandemic, free fare benefits passengers who may have a significant income reduction, especially for those in the service sector, said Jim Egbert, MCAT’s Operations Chief. County buildings and beaches remain closed this week.  

For a full list of closures and cancellations in Manatee County.

With our community, nation and world grappling with the speed and fierceness of COVID-19, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County (EFSC) stands united with our local educators and community partners as we work together to rise to this unparalleled challenge. As the nonprofit organization dedicated to Sarasota County public education, we are determined to continue our role as a valuable resource in providing quality educational support and encouragement for our students and teachers. 

To that end, we have established a COVID-19 Education Relief Fund. With the district and community partners planning to address students’ basic critical needs, we are moving forward swiftly to deliver EFSC signature initiatives and services in alternative, innovative ways that help our students continue making progress toward their educational goals and keep our teachers focused on student learning. We need the support of our generous community to help us provide teachers, students and families with consistent resources and support services by utilizing virtual advising and virtual mentoring. Digital lessons on strengthening social-emotional well-being will provide valuable tips for families, students and teachers who feel overwhelmed during a crisis that is upending their daily lives.  

In light of the difficulties our families are facing, we know that these additional resources will make a major difference for our students. With your help, we will continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Sarasota County students and educators while adjusting to the changed learning environment. Please consider donating to the Education Foundation of Sarasota County by visiting EdFoundationSRQ.org. If you wish, you may designate your gift to the EFSC’s COVID-19 Education Relief Fund or where needed most. 

Contribute to the COVID-19 Education Relief Fund

Local Girl Scouts found themselves in a quandary when they were forced to cancel cookie booths due to concerns about the coronavirus. But while some in the community were calling it a “cookie crisis,” Girl Scouts saw an opportunity to turn lemons into Lemon-Ups™—and Thin Mints®, and Tagalongs®.

Troops from Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will be donating their remaining cookie inventory to food pantries, healthcare workers, first responders, and other hometown heroes who are being particularly impacted during the national health emergency. The council will be picking up the tab, effectively buying back leftover cookies from their troops.

“Proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Program provide essential funding for Girl Scout Troops to support their community service projects, troop trips, and other activities,” said Sasha Lioce, Product Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “The loss of revenue was putting stress on the girls and volunteers, so we decided to alleviate that stress while encouraging them to help others.”

“The girls are learning a meaningful lesson about the importance of giving back during times of crisis,” added council CEO Mary Anne Servian. “By donating their cookies, they are saying ‘thank you’ to those who are working exceptionally hard right now, and setting a positive example for the rest of the community.” 

The council also relies on cookie program revenue, which funds program scholarships, camp property maintenance, volunteer training, and other vital expenses. Donations to offset the program losses are being accepted at www.gsgcf.org through the “donate” tab. 

Make a donation here.

JFCS of the Suncoast announces a special match opportunity from the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust (the Flanzer Trust) to help financially prepare for anticipated increased needs directly related to hardships caused by the COVID-19 crisis. For 30 days, from March 19 to April 19, 2020, any gift up to $500 made through the Flanzer Trust Match Program to support ‘JFCS-COVID 19’ will be matched 2:1. As an example, JFCS will receive $1500 from the Flanzer Trust for a $500 donation made during the special match period. 

JFCS serves more than 5,700 individuals each year in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee Counties.  Its support services include counseling, prevention, intervention, outreach, case management, basic life necessities, financial aid and life skills education programs on a secular, non-denominational basis. 

“As our community faces COVID-19 together, JFCS’ commitment to provide critical programs, services and support to those in need – including Seniors, Veterans and those experiencing or near homelessness – remains unwavering,” said Heidi Brown, JFCS CEO. “The Flanzer Trust has long been a valued partner, and we appreciate their support now more than ever as we work to ensure our readiness to manage the needs of those that we serve,” Brown added.

“The Flanzer Trust is proud to carry on Gloria Flanzer’s passion for JFCS and its vital human services and mental health programs that provide impact and positive outcomes in our community,” said Eric Kaplan and Dean Hautamaki, Flanzer Trust co-trustees. “Gloria had a strong commitment to the well-being of Sarasota. We recognize that those who benefit most from JFCS’ services and support also have the potential to be most impacted by COVID-19, and we appreciate the opportunity to support JFCS in their desire to be ready for likely increased needs,” Hautamaki and Kaplan added. 

To make a contribution to the JFCS-COVID 19 community support initiative.

Crystal Clean Green Cleaning (CCGC) is pleased to announce the launch of their disinfectant fog and misting services which effectively kills various bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19) with the aim of reducing the risk of contracting and spreading of infectious diseases, and restoring health, stability, and peace of mind within the community. The service will be available starting next Monday, March 30, 2020.  The service consists of two different disinfection application types; First, all countertops table edges, light switches, knobs, and handles will be disinfected with a spray and wipe process. Next, a disinfectant solution will be distributed by means of either fogging or misting or a combination of both, depending on the need. Once the solution settles or contacts a surface, it will kill bacteria and viruses. “My biggest worry, especially during the outbreak, is that people believe they will be safe when they use any product that says “disinfect” on it.” states Steven Pajevic, C.O.O. “While normally that would be good enough for general use, with this (Corona-) virus you have to be certain the product can kill the current strain. According to Pajevic, "CCGC is using a disinfectant that specifically claims killing the COVID-19 virus. 

Fore more information.

Icard Merrill Shareholder Tom Icard has earned board recertification in construction law from The Florida Bar. He is also board certified in civil trial law, one of ten attorneys in Florida who is dual-certified in both practice areas. Icard focuses his nationally recognized practice on construction related matters, from review of contract documents to claims negotiation and complex, multi-party litigation. His practice also includes regular engagement as a mediator, arbitrator, or special master in a broad range of civil disputes. Icard was recognized by Best Lawyers in America as Sarasota metro area “Construction Lawyer of the Year” in 2016 and 2018, and Tampa metro area “Mediation Lawyer of the Year” in 2012. 

For more.

The next generation of America's favorite fast food, the impossible burger and beyond burgerplant-based meat substitutes are on their way to becoming staples. Time to take a bite. 

Click here to read the full story in our March 2020 Home Edition of SRQ Magazine!

In response to the executive order set forth by Governor Ron DeSantis, American Dreams Restaurant Group (ADRG) is restricting restaurant operations to delivery and takeout only through May 8, 2020. ADRG owns and operates Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood., and element: Modern Mediterranean Grill. Family-style take-home meals, special discounted menau items and retail liquor, beer and wine are all available for free delivery or pickup. Element and Duval's are also offering a gift card promotion: buy $100 in gift cards and receive a bonus $20 gift card. Element is open for free delivery and pick up on Fridays and Saturdays for dinner service and Duval's is open for free delivery and pick up during regular business hours. 

Florida Governor DeSantis' announcement of the issuance of an Executive Order effective this past Friday, March 20, 2020, closed all Florida restaurant dining rooms until further notice while still allowing carry-out and delivery of food prepared in restaurant kitchens to be permitted and encouarged. In keeping with the order, Der Dutchman Restaurant will be closed, but will continue to offer carry-out and delivery service. The bakery and coffee shop will also remain open for take-out of delicious Amish kitchen cooking. 

Tableseide Restaurant Group announced it will be temporarily closing Lemon Tree Kitchen and CIRCO. It will  continue to offer curbside and free delivery at the Libby’s Sarasota and at the Libby’s Lakewood Ranch locations. Menus will be limited and subject to change as guidance from our local and national governments is continually evolving. "To our community, we love you and thank you for the endless support over all of these years," say Joe Guli and Joe Seidensticker. "We are all in this together and are confident we can weather this and come back stronger than before. We are fully behind the proposals of financial aid targeted at our industry during this time of utmost uncertainty. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will reopen and get back to doing what we do best-serving you and your families the best food and drink we can."   

Order from their current menu here.

Amidst the uncertainty around COVID-19, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. has activated a triage call center fully staffed with a team of clinical professionals. The team will work to help ease anxiety and panic among the public, as well as provide pertinent information and credible answers about the virus. The triage call center is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and is offered to the entire community. This includes both patients and their families, concerned citizens, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and long-term acute care hospitals.  “We must to come together and support each other as a community now more than ever,” said Sandy Bell, CEO and President, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. “It’s uncertain how long these circumstances will last but for the foreseeable future, we’re willing to do whatever possible to help our community remain calm and informed and provide a caring voice to all.”Additionally, Doctor’s Choice has activated its emergency operations plan and will follow CDC guidelines, taking all necessary and precautionary measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 amongst patients, nurses, and other clinicians. The agency will continue to provide excellence in care to all patients, including those impacted by the virus. 

For more information about Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286). 

More info.

Metro Diner is offering dining options for online pick-up, delivery on DoorDash and UberEats, and curbside-on-request so guests can take comfort in their favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner fare such as their signature Fried Chicken Plate, Biscuits and Gravy and a Metro original, the Breakfast Pie featuring layers of scrambled eggs, melted cheese, mushrooms, onions, peppers and red skinned potatoes.

From one family to another, Metro Diner is also offering their Metro Meal Packs that feed families of 4-6 in a variety of bundles. 

Family Sized Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Entrées: Signature Fried Chicken & Waffles, Charleston Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Pot Pie, Meatloaf, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Parmesan and much more. Breakfast Sandwich Packs: Your choice of sandwiches with a side including Chicken Biscuit, Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit and the A.M. Sandwich. Family Combo Platters: The Big Spread, The B&G and The Bissel Platter featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and choice of hashbrowns or grits with pancakes. Sandwich Packs: Your choice of four sandwiches with a side such as French Dip, Chicken Salad Croissant, All American Burger and Avocado Veggie Wrap. Fresh Salads: Garden, Fresh Salad, Chopped Chicken Salad and a Spinach Salad topped with bacon, candied pecans, shredded carrots, red onion, quinoa, blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette. 

More info.

The Van Wezel has announced rescheudled dates and cancellations of select performances in light of the situation surrounding COVID-19. 

• An American in Paris (March 16, 2020) – New date of June 16, 2020 is being considered, to be announced soon.
• The Choir of Man (March 17, 2020) – New date is January 28, 2021
• John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: A Tribute to Nat King Cole and the Ladies of Song (March 18, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule their performance when possible.
• America (March 19, 2020) – New date to be announced
• Harry Connick, Jr. True Love: An Intimate Performance (March 20, 2020) – Canceled
• Itzhak Perlman in Recital (March 21, 2020) – New date is March 8, 2021
• An Intimate Evening with David Foster: HITMAN Tour Featuring Special Guest Katharine McPhee (March 22, 2020) – New date is January 31, 2021
• Up, Up and Away starring Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. (March 24, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule their performance when possible.
• An Evening with Bruce Hornsby (March 29, 2020) – New date is November 17, 2020
• The Pointer Sisters (April 2, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule their performance when possible.
• Jackie Evancho (April 3, 2020) – Canceled; The theater hopes to reschedule her performance when possible.
• Terry Fator: It Starts Tonight (April 10, 2020) – New date is January 16, 2021
• Reza: Edge of Illusion (April 11, 2020) – New date is January 25, 2021
• Johnny Mathis – The Voice of Romance Tour (April 16, 2020) – New date is April 14, 2021
• An Evening with Chris Botti (April 19, 2020) – New date is March 14, 2021
• A Bronx Tale (April 21-22, 2020) – Still as scheduled
• Brian Culbertson (April 23, 2020) – Canceled
• Come From Away (April 28-May 3, 2020) – Still as scheduled
• One Night of Queen (May 6, 2020) – New date is May 15, 2021
• The Bachelor Live On Stage (May 7, 2020) – Canceled

Further updates.