Starter makes noise; engine not cranking
2007 w/6 speed. Car was in FL for five years but rarely driven. Shipped it to MI and drove it for a month last fall after having mechanic go through it. It started and ran fine.
Stored it this winter but due to issues at the storage unit, the battery tender was not on all winter and the battery died. I pulled the battery a month ago and placed it on battery tender and it shows a full charge. Car has not been started since Dec 2017.
Installed the battery today and cranked it. I could hear the starter (Bendix?) making a loud snapping noise but the engine did not spin. I put it in gear and pushed it a few feet, so I am sure the engine is not frozen. I also connected a battery booster on top of the charged battery but that did not help.
Does it sound like a failed starter or could the starter just be rusted or otherwise "frozen"?? Years ago I would have tried whacking it with a hammer but I cannot get at it. Any suggestions before I have it towed to my mechanic next week??