The Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant, 525 51st Ave. E., Ellenton, is the first restaurant in the state to achieve the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Seal of Commitment.

The award is for demonstrating dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That’s fantastic. It shows that people are concerned and that’s something we all need to be doing,” said John Horne, owner of AMOB.

In June, an employee at the same restaurant tested positive for COVID-19. That worker recovered at home. Horne elected to keep the restaurant open, intensify cleaning and sanitation practices, and require customers to wear masks, rather than shutting down the operation.

“We wanted to be the first restaurant to receive the FRLA Seal of Commitment as we feel it is so important to not only talk the talk but walk the walk in keeping our restaurants safe and secure for our guests and our staff during these crazy times,” Horne said. “Having the FRLA’s Seal behind us lets our guests know loud and clear that we are committed to everyone’s healthy return to our – and all – restaurants in Florida.”