ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — Coastal restaurants will begin offering discounts and specials in October after many restaurants suffered from the impacts of red tide.
The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announced deals and discounts will run from October 1-31.
"We're trying to get people back out and let them know it's okay to go to the beach," said John Horne, President of Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar has four locations including one on Cortez Road and another in Bradenton.
President John Horne said its beach location suffered an economic loss from red tide.
"Our guest counts are down 70%, that's drastic," said Horne.
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar is offering a "Save Our Shores" margarita for $6 at all of its locations. Horne said $3 from every drink sold will go to the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota for red tide research.
The drink special will run until the end of October.
Other restaurants participating in the "30 Day Deals" includes Eliza Ann's Coastal Kitchen, Gulf Drive Cafe, Gecko's Grill and Pub, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant and The Sand Bar Seafood and Spirits.
"Come in and spend $30 bucks, we're going to give you $10 back," said Robert Baugh, Chief Operating Officer with the Chiles Group.
Restaurants are hoping for relief and a rebound.
FWC released its latest red tide report on Friday. It showed concentrations have generally decreased in areas of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Collier counties, creating patchier bloom conditions along the coast.
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