ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach will resume on Friday, Nov. 1.
Ferry service to Anna Maria remains on hold due to concerns about the winds, currents and other conditions at the temporary dock recently installed near the hurricane-damaged City Pier. The hurricane-damaged floating dock in Bradenton Beach, next to the Bradenton Beach Pier, was recently repaired by Duncan Seawall and can again accommodate ferry service.
Regarding the resumption of service, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said, “The objective is to start service for the residents that live on the Island and the employees that work on the Island. We’re aware that some people lost their cars in the hurricanes and we’re going to waive the ferry fees until further notice because of the situation. We feel this is a good opportunity to serve our community until people get back on their feet. I don’t know if there’s going to be demand for this so we’re going to take it one week at a time.”
Non-residents and others can also utilize the ferry service.
The temporary ferry landing in Anna Maria was installed due to the extensive damage Hurricane Milton inflicted on the City Pier that also served as a ferry landing. Located near the Lake La Vista Jetty, just north of the hurricane-damaged City Pier, the temporary landing consists of a large barge anchored in place by spud poles, with a metal gangway and wooden walkway providing access to and from the shoreline.
The temporary landing is located within walking distance of the restaurants, retail shops and other businesses on and around Pine Avenue. It’s also near an Island Trolley stop from which ferry passengers can travel to other destinations Island-wide free of charge.
The Anna Maria commission-approved temporary landing is expected to remain in place until the City Pier is repaired and reopened.
For ferry updates and scheduling information, visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.
