BRADENTON BEACH – The Gulf Islands Ferries now make regular stops at the Bradenton Beach Pier on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
After departing from the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton on Friday, Feb. 9 and traveling down the Manatee River, the Miss Anna Maria arrived at the Anna Maria City Pier at 10:47 a.m. to pick up the 10 passengers making the 11 a.m. maiden voyage to the Bradenton Beach Pier. When Manatee County’s contracted Gulf Islands Ferries first began service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria on Jan. 14, the floating dock at the Bradenton Beach Pier was still awaiting the now-completed dock modifications needed to serve as a ferry stop.
The Miss Anna Maria crew consisted of Capt. Jeff Peters, First Mate Terry Birkett and Second Mate Justin Brissette, all of whom graciously and joyfully interacted with the passengers.
When leaving the City Pier, Peters angled the boat away from the Anna Maria shoreline and out to the navigational channel that leads under the Anna Maria Bridge in Holmes Beach and into the Intracoastal Waterway that passes under the Cortez Bridge and provides access to the Bradenton Beach Pier.
Pennsylvania natives and seasonal Anna Maria residents Pat and Rich Walton were among those making the first trip from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach.
“This our maiden voyage to Bridge Street,” Pat said.
“We took the first boat to Bradenton a few weeks ago,” Rich said.
“No worries about parking and traffic and you get a great boat ride,” Pat said.
“And you can never get a parking spot at the Moose Lodge,” Rich added.
Lane and Suzanne Richards drove down from St. Pete Beach, parked near the Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton and rode the ferry to the City Pier while en route to their first-ever visit to Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
Lane said parking in downtown Bradenton and riding the ferry alleviates the traffic, congestion and parking challenges faced when driving to the Island.
“This is definitely the way to do it,” he said. “We’ll hit a couple bars and restaurants and we’ve got a few hours down here so we’ll probably take the trolley too.”
Before getting off in Bradenton Beach, Toronto native John O’Grady learned Babe Ruth once owned the Drift In bar on Bridge Street. He then noted Ruth hit his first minor league home run against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
WARM WELCOME
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce greeted the ferry when it arrived at the Bradenton Beach Pier at 11:30 a.m.
The mayor and chamber members then participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the first passengers disembarked, with the Anna Maria Oyster Bar providing free mimosas to ferry passengers and ceremony attendees.
“It’s a momentous occasion,” Chappie said. “We’ve been hoping for this day, where a ferry service could come to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach.”
After thanking the Manatee County Commission and the Tourist Development Council for funding the ferry service, Chappie said it ties in nicely with the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency-initiated enhancements recently made to the floating dock, the nearby dinghy dock and the pier area as a whole.
“The pier is a major part of our historic commercial area and the floating dock and finger docks are all part of that,” Chappie said of the amenities provided for recreational boaters; and he noted the ferry service now provides access to the water for those who don’t own boats.
“We’re excited to bring people out here to enjoy what we enjoy every day: The sun, the sand, the surf, the shops, the restaurants and bars and the great vibes,” Chappie said.
AMI Chamber of Commerce President Terri Kinder said, “The ferry service was very much needed and we’re just thrilled. The ferries add another layer of transportation, not only for people going up and down the Island, but it’s going to bring a lot of people from the mainland who don’t want to deal with the traffic. They can enjoy a beautiful boat ride, hop off the ferry, get on a trolley and explore the Island. Bringing more people out here without them having to be in their cars is a win-win for the businesses.”
RETURN TRIP
While standing on the floating dock with margaritas in hand waiting to take the first ferry ride from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria, Boston residents and seasonal visitors Paul and Lisa MacFarlane said, “We had no idea this was the first run out of Bridge Street. We’re going to take it to Anna Maria, have lunch and come back.”
Roger and Ann Pickel from Dubuque, Iowa were among the 12 passengers making the first return trip from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria.
“We were there yesterday by trolley so we thought we’d go by sea today. We’re going to hit a shop or two and then take a walk to Bean Point,” Roger said, noting they plan to make the excursion to downtown Bradenton another day.
As the Miss Anna Maria pulled away from the Bradenton Beach Pier, the Downtown Duchess arrived with another load of passengers.
During the return trip to Anna Maria, Peters said, “I’ve been around Tampa Bay and the water all my life. I love being on the water and the peacefulness of the water. And I love being around people. It’s been a little cold the last few weekends and I’m looking forward to the next few months, especially the afternoon rides where we get the sunsets.”
After arriving at the City Pier, Birkett said the return trip to downtown Bradenton was fully booked.
If space is available, morning, afternoon and evening ferry rides can be booked in person at the three landing areas, but reserving a ride in advance is recommended by visiting www.GulfIslandsFerry.com, using the Ferry Perks Pass phone app, calling 941-357-2587 or texting 727-200-6487.
