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Anna Maria business owners banding together to help each other during red tide

Posted at 3:57 PM, Sep 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-18 18:11:37-04

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — Anna Maria Island business owners are banding together to help each other through the red tide epidemic.

“I’m still down 40-percent to 50-percent from this time last year,” said Swordfish Grill manager Bob Slicker.

Slicker said they started the Service Industry Relief Fund to help promote coastal businesses.  

"We all go to a different restaurant every night and they offer a deep discount, 25 percent off, somewhere around there,” said Slicker.

California visitor Paul Rank was surprised to see how empty the beach and restaurants are this week.

“I’m shocked there aren’t more people out,” said Rank.

Rank is looking forward to the discounts while he is on vacation.

“I’m glad I’m here, maybe I can help,” said Rank.

Click hereto find discounts on dining at Anna Maria restaurants.