In Manatee County, a bar and grill along the Intracoastal has organized a special happy hour event in support of the local businesses impacted by Florida's red tide algae bloom crisis. Cortez-based Seafood Shack is set to host the aptly titled Shuck You Red Tide from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, serving up food and drink specials, complimentary oysters and live music.
Similar gatherings are scheduled, or have already taken place, at nearby restaurants — including Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Beach House, Bunny & Pirates, Cortez Kitchen, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Sandbar, Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar and The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar.
Half-priced wines and well mixed cocktails are among the happy hour deals, which accompany a performance by rock and blues musician JT Douglas. As for the oysters, they're sourced from safe waters, and The Shack's chef, Gerard Jesse, will shuck bivalves on the house for the crowd while supplies last.
The bar and grill also plans to extend its employee discount on grub to the crowd, meaning regular menu items are available for 30 percent off.
Basically, The Shack — in solidarity with all of the other Gulf Coast establishments chipping in to promote this grassroots campaign — wants diners to know their doors are open, despite the ongoing red tide conditions. How's that for resilience?