ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Gulf Islands Ferry service that features stops in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and downtown Bradenton now operates on Thursdays too, as of Thursday, Feb. 29. The ferries now run Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.
“As we press forward with the Gulf Islands Ferry service, it’s imperative we increase the availability to accommodate our residents and visitors during peak season,” Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said in a county-issued press release.
“Adding Thursdays allows those in the Bradenton area to have four days per week to enjoy our stops in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach,” Falcione said.
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said, “This is part of our continued commitment to boost multi-modal transportation in our community, helping families spend less time in traffic and more time together.”
For information on times, tickets and scheduling, call 941-357-2587, text 727-200-6487 or visit the Gulf Islands Ferry website.
ANNA MARIA – During its second meeting, the Anna Maria Charter Review Committee discussed three potential amendments to the city charter.
Similar to the state constitution, the 20-page Anna Maria charter sets forth how the city government is structured and how the city is governed. The charter establishes which city actions require a city ordinance and how citizen-initiated voter referendums are initiated. The charter establishes the duties of the city clerk, city treasurer and city attorney and includes a detailed description of the city’s physical boundaries and corporate limits.
State law requires a city charter to be reviewed at least every five years. The Anna Maria charter was last reviewed in 2019. The city charter can only be amended and revised with the approval of the city’s registered voters.
Chris Arendt chairs the committee that also includes Stevie Coppin, Scott Isherwood, Pat Olesen and Chuck Wolfe.
During the committee’s Feb. 23 meeting, the members discussed three potential amendments to the city charter.
Arendt noted the conveyance or lease of any city-owned property requires a city commission-approved ordinance. Regarding the conveyance of city property, Arendt said the Holmes Beach charter requires a four-fifths supra majority support of the city commission and the approval of the city’s registered voters in order to sell, vacate or give away a city-owned property. The Bradenton Beach charter includes similar language.
The Anna Maria charter does not require city voters to approve a proposed conveyance of city property. The committee is considering, but has not reached formal consensus, on proposing a charter amendment that would add that requirement to the charter.
Wolfe suggested including in the conveyance amendment language a provision that would also require voter approval for any city-owned structures or properties leased to another party for 25 years or more.
The city currently leases space on the City Pier to the City Pier Grill operators and to Mote Marine. Using essentially rent-free leases, the city also has long-term leases with The Center, Island Players and the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum for the use of those city-owned properties and structures.
The committee is considering proposing an amendment pertaining to the scheduling of special city commission meetings called in addition to the regular commission meetings that generally occur twice a month.
The charter currently provides that a special meeting may be called by any city commission member and when practical, with no less than 24 hours’ notice given to the public and the other commissioners.
Isherwood expressed concerns about a commission member theoretically acting as a “loose cannon” and abusing or over-using the ability to call special meetings. The committee is still considering proposing an amendment that would allow the mayor, the commission chair or a majority of commission members to schedule a special meeting, instead of a single member.
The commission discussed and is considering a potential charter amendment that would increase the non-voting mayor’s two-year term in office to a four-year term, while likely leaving the voting commission members’ terms at two years.
Seeking input from the mayor, the commission will invite Murphy to its Friday, March 8 meeting in hopes of getting his thoughts on four-year mayoral terms versus two-year terms. The committee also welcomes the city commissioners to attend the March 8 meeting to share their thoughts about two-year terms versus four-year terms. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m.
During the Feb. 23 meeting, Coppin shared her concerns about the charter’s use of gender-specific pronouns such as “he” and “she.” Coppin said the gender-specific pronouns are not keeping with the times, are grammatically awkward and should be replaced with non-gender-specific language. The committee reached no consensus on this matter and agreed to revisit the topic at a future meeting.
When the committee completes its review of the charter, the committee’s suggestions will be presented to the city commission for consideration. The commission can then support or reject any or all of the proposed charter amendments being placed on a future ballot. The commission can also propose charter amendments of its own to place on the ballot.
ANNA MARIA – Every Wednesday and Saturday, a few dozen men gather to pitch horseshoes in a small park located on the Anna Maria City Hall property.
According to longtime horseshoe pitcher and former Anna Maria City Commissioner Tom Skoloda, this local sporting tradition has taken place in the same general location for at least 109 years.
On Feb. 14, Skoloda and five of his horseshoe-throwing friends dressed in suits, ties and hats and reenacted a 1915 photograph taken of men throwing horseshoes in front of the former community hall building that’s now the Island Players theater. The men in the 1915 photo stood in an area that’s now a public parking lot located next to city hall property and a small city park that contains five horseshoe pits.
This horseshoe pitching photo was taken in Anna Maria in 1915. – Manatee Library Historical Digital Collection
The 1915 photo was featured in a 2006 story written for The Sun by then-active horseshoe pitcher Bill Bartlett. His story noted that in the early 1900s, steamship passengers who arrived at the City Pier walked down Pine Avenue to the bathhouse pavilion at the ends of Spring and Magnolia avenues, but some of the men stopped at the tourist center/community hall instead to play horseshoes and smoke cigars.
“This is a reenactment of the photograph with guys pitching horseshoes here in 1915. They’ve been pitching horseshoes here continuously since 1915,” Skoloda said after the new photos were taken.
Former city commissioner Tom Skoloda helped organize the photo reenactment. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Skoloda served as a city commissioner from 2000 to 2002 and he’s been pitching horseshoes on the city hall property for 20 years.
“This is an activity people love and have taken care of for many years. We’re trying to make sure this continues and we’d like to protect this site. Mayor Dan Murphy, the city and the public works department have been really good about helping us,” Skoloda said.
“We have 30 to 35 players on a given day. The guys are really fun to be around and we enjoy each other’s company. It’s all about camaraderie. We get together socially too and a lot of the guys play golf together as well. We have a number of women who pitched in the past and right now we have two women who come on Saturdays. Anybody can come, even new people who’ve never pitched horseshoes before,” Skoloda said.
When asked what the trick is to being a good horseshoe pitcher, Skoloda jokingly said, “I don’t know. I’ve been coming 20 years and I don’t seem to get much better.”
Dave Means is a former Senior Olympics horseshoe champion. He’s one of the Anna Maria group’s newest members and he participated in the photo reenactment.
“I’m a snowbird from Indiana. I started doing this last year and I really enjoyed it. I’ve made friends and we go out for a hamburger and beer afterward. I love this and I hope the city keeps this. It’s a good way to meet other people,” Means said.
INFORMAL ORGANIZATION
The twice-weekly matches on Wednesdays and Saturdays take place year-round and participation increases during peak season. The matches begin at 9 a.m. and most players arrive around 8:30 to warm up. The day’s two-person teams are determined by drawing colored chips and winners are crowned for each day of play.
There’s no entry fee or registration required and newcomers are always welcome. Most players donate $1 each day they play. The donations are used to purchase equipment, arrange an annual social gathering and fund an annual championship. The remaining funds are donated to a local charity or non-profit organization. The group recently donated nearly $800 to Meals on Wheels.
The Anna Maria horseshoes group has no formal name and its leadership is informal and voluntary. For the past several years, Jay Disbrow has served as the pit boss, who helps determine the teams and coordinate the matches. He also maintains the equipment and serves as the group’s media liaison.
Disbrow began playing horseshoes with the Anna Maria group about 20 years ago and eventually became the pit boss.
Jay Disbrow serves as the horseshoe group’s pit boss. – Joe Hendricks | SunPit boss Jay Disbrow, left, oversees the random selection of teammates. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“I read about it in the paper. I started coming out and I met a lot of great guys. Ron Pepka ran it for a number of years and then Sam Samuels started doing it. Everybody plays three games. We’ve got room for 20 people to play at one time and when you have more than that you have to keep the crew moving,” Disbrow said, noting the Anna Maria group also sometimes competes against other groups, including a group from the Trailer Estates mobile home community in Bradenton.
As for what makes a good horseshoe pitcher, he said, “A good smooth follow-through.”
Sam Samuels returned to play after a three-year absence. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Samuels started pitching horseshoes with the group in 2000 and on Feb. 14 he returned to play after a three-year absence.
“I’m 86 years old and I had a few birthdays while I was gone,” Samuels said. “Jay’s doing a fantastic job. We have good pitchers and the guys are winning tournaments.”
Minnesota resident Dan Belden is among the group’s youngest horseshoe pitchers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Fifty-five-year-old Minnesota resident Dan Belden may be the group’s youngest regular pitcher. During his annual Florida vacations, Belden’s been throwing horseshoes in Anna Maria for more than 25 years. As a National Horseshoe Pitchers Association-sanctioned pitcher, Belden also throws with a sanctioned horseshoe club at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton while visiting. Each summer he competes in the annual World Horseshoe Championship and his best finish so far is third place.
Adin Shank is believed to be the group’s longest-tenured horseshoe pitcher. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
80-year-old Bradenton resident and former Island resident Adin Shank participated in the photo reenactment. He’s been throwing horseshoes in Anna Maria for 35 years and believes he’s the group’s longest-tenured active member.
“The camaraderie of the guys and the competition is great. I’ve always been a sports guy so I keep doing it,” he said.
89-year-old Gene Bobeldyk still enjoys pitching horseshoes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
89-year-old Gene Bobeldyk has been throwing horseshoes in Anna Maria for 20 years and he said, “I like the atmosphere. It’s a bunch of friendly guys and we have a good time.”
On Feb. 14, two teams went 3 and 0 and met in the final, with Tom Farrington and Bob Mason edging out Adin Shank and Ron Gagon 23-17 to claim the day’s bragging rights.
On Feb. 12, the Anna Maria group welcomed pitchers from the Tri-Par-Estates mobile home community in Sarasota and the Tri-Par pitchers prevailed in the first meeting of the two groups. On Feb. 17, Tim Sofran and Bob Rowley defeated Farrington and Ron Hooper by a 21-13 margin in the final match.
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 residents Pat and Rich Walton made the maiden voyage from the City Pier to the Bradenton Beach Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.
St. Pete Beach residents Lane and Suzanne Richards parked in Bradenton and rode the first ferry to Bradenton Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.
Members of the AMI Chamber of Commerce and awaiting passengers greeted the first ferry when it arrived at the Bradenton Beach Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.”
Boston residents Paul and Lisa MacFarlane, left, awaited their ferry trip from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria with Detroit resident Chuck Impastato and his companion, Gloria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.
Iowa residents Ann and Roger Pickel rode the first ferry from Bradenton Beach to Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As the Miss Anna Maria pulled away from the Bradenton Beach Pier, the Downtown Duchess arrived with another load of passengers.
The Downtown Duchess arrived in Bradenton Beach as Miss Anna Maria departed. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.”
Captain Jeff Peters loves his job as a ferry captain. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
After arriving at the City Pier, Birkett said the return trip to downtown Bradenton was fully booked.
Miss Anna Maria was fully booked for the Feb. 9 return trip from the Anna Maria City Pier to downtown Bradenton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.
ANNA MARIA – After launching on Jan. 14, Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service is now operating three days per week.
The county contracts with Clearwater-based Gulf Coast Water Taxi LLC to operate the ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
According to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione, the ferry service is funded by three sources: passenger fares, the county’s tourist development tax and beach concession revenues.
“Ad valorem taxes (property taxes) are not being used for this project and the residents aren’t paying for it. We’re using the tourist tax dollars that come from visitors,” Falcione recently told The Sun. “And we’re using a little money from the beach concession fund for the docking enhancements.”
Manatee County levies a 5% tourist development tax on owners of accommodations rented for six months or less including hotels, motels, vacation rentals and other lodging. The tax generates more than $25 million a year for the county.
According to state law, tourist development tax revenues can only be spent on projects and activities that enhance and promote tourism and cannot be used for general infrastructure improvements, daily governmental operations or law enforcement.
The county’s beach concession fund is generated by the percentage of revenue the county receives from the concessionaires who lease concession space at the county-owned beaches in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.
Ferry costs
In 2022, Manatee County commissioners approved the purchase of two 50-foot, 49-passenger catamaran pontoon ferries at a cost not to exceed $950,000.
The Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton serves as a home base for the Gulf Islands Ferry service. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In 2023, the county and Gulf Coast Water Taxi LLC entered into a five-year operating agreement in which the ferry operator keeps the passenger fares and also receives an additional monthly subsidy from the county to help offset expenses and operational costs.
The operating agreement lists a likely one-year scenario in which a 55% annual ridership rate generates $364,483 in passenger fares and requires a $298,213 annual county subsidy.
The operator must provide monthly reports that detail revenues, expenses and ridership. Twice a year, Falcione and his staff will reconcile the reports and potentially increase or decrease the monthly subsidy for the subsequent six-month period. The subsidy adjustments do not require county commission approval.
On Jan. 25, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Senior Fiscal Services Manager Jayne Roberts told The Sun the county has already reimbursed the ferry operator $20,703 for initial operating expenditures and will now pay the operator a $27,529 monthly subsidy to be reviewed and reconciled for the first time on Sept 30. At the current rate, the county’s total first-year subsidy would be $330,348.
“We told the board the projected operational shortfall would probably be in the range of $300,000 to $400,000,” Falcione said. “We’ll have a better handle on our revenues and expenses in six months, and more so after the first year. We’re going to work to make this a sustainable operation, but we understand there’s a chance an operation like this may always need to be subsidized. The county is also searching for federal transportation grants to help enhance or subsidize the service.”
Falcione said one grant-funded enhancement might include the future addition of a larger, faster ferry that would make the Manatee River run between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island with the two pontoon ferries traveling between the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach stops.
Work in progress
Weather permitting, the ferries currently operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Falcione said additional service days have already been discussed for the peak tourist season in March and April.
“We’re up and running and we’re going to work through the bugs, communicate with consumers and keep building the framework of the system,” Falcione said. “If you buy tickets and we have to delay or cancel because of weather you’ll get a text. Customer service will also try to call.”
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com. The website also provides the most current information regarding schedules, delays and cancellations.
A round-trip fare for adults is $10 and a one-way trip is $6. A round-trip fare for seniors, active military members and youths ages 4 to 18 is $6, and a one-way trip is $4. Children ages 3 and younger ride for free.
A metal ramp and two non-submerged metal pilings assist with the ferry landings at the City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When launched on Jan. 14, the ferry service initially traveled only between the Anna Maria City Pier and the Riverwalk day dock in downtown Bradenton. Based on initial observations and feedback, Falcione talked to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy about possibly installing a SlideMoor docking system at the City Pier.
“We’ve installed SlideMoors at the day dock in Bradenton and it really helps hold that ferry in position. We’re going to continue to enhance the terminals for the safety and stability of the ferries,” Falcione said.
A ferry landing sign now graces the entrance to the Anna Maria City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The first few weeks of service didn’t include stops at the Bradenton Beach Pier but an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift has now been installed on the floating dock and ferry service is expected to begin there the first weekend of February.
An ADA-compliant wheelchair lift and ferry signage have been installed at the Bradenton Beach Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“The great thing about the two stops on the Island is you have amenities within walking distance. You can get off at the City Pier in Anna Maria and enjoy the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center and then walk a couple blocks along Pine Avenue to all the boutiques, restaurants and other attractions. And then a few blocks beyond that are our sugar-white sand beaches.
“It’s the same in Bradenton Beach. You can enjoy the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, the shops and restaurants on Bridge Street and a few blocks beyond that are the beautiful beaches,” Falcione said, noting the free Island trolleys and private shuttle services provide Island-wide ground transportation elsewhere on the Island.
Falcione said efforts are underway to accommodate Coquina Beach beachgoers with a ferry stop at the north or south Coquina boat ramp. He also envisions a future ferry stop near the Bradenton Area Convention Center near the new Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Palmetto and another in Longboat Key.
ANNA MARIA – Making its maiden voyage for the Gulf Islands Ferry service on a cold and windy day, the Miss Anna Maria ferry boat docked at the Anna Maria City Pier at approximately 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning.
Carrying six passengers who traveled down the Manatee River from the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the Miss Anna Maria was the first Manatee County-funded Gulf Islands Ferry boat to arrive at the City Pier carrying paying passengers.
Miss Anna Maria approached the City Pier after traveling down the Manatee River. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Phil Quesnel captained Miss Anna Maria, assisted by crew member Mike Pollard, and the wind and waves made docking a challenge. After three unsuccessful attempts to dock nose-first, Quesnel and Pollard decided to pull up to the pier with the port side of the boat parallel to the landing area at the T-end of the pier.
The wind and waves made docking nose-first difficult. – Joe Hendricks | SunMiss Anna Maria eventually docked with the port side parallel to the pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Eight-year-old Marlon Haoui was the first passenger off the ferry, accompanied by his parents, Bryan and Annslie Haoui, and their friend, Holly Mayotte.
When asked how it felt to be the first ferry passenger to set foot on the pier, Marlon said, “Good.”
When asked if it was cold on the river, he said, “Very.”
He was then asked what he planned to do in Anna Maria.
“We’re gonna go into the aquarium,” he said in reference to the Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center located on the City Pier.
“And then we’re going to get breakfast,” Annslie said.
“We figured this was historic, the first ferry ride from Bradenton to the Island, so let’s be the first ones to do it. We were looking forward to it,” Bryan said.
“We bought our tickets on Friday,” Annslie said, noting that she and Mayotte are teachers at the Team Success charter school.
“It was beautiful. We went right by our homes and up the river,” Mayotte said of their morning ride.
Some ferry passengers planned to visit the pier-based Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When asked about the boating conditions, Pollard said, “It was a little rougher than we would’ve thought. We’re getting 2-3-foot swells out there. Hopefully, as the day goes on, it’ll settle down.”
Pollard said the wind, waves and other conditions determine the best way to bring the boat in to dock.
“That dictates whether you come in nose-first, port side or starboard side. Right now, it’s better to come in on the port side,” he said.
Quesnel previously captained charter boats in the Long Island, New York area.
“We’ve done this a few times as practice, but today was probably the roughest day,” he said in regard to docking at the City Pier.
Kristen Deevy and her friends, Sue and Bob, were among the first five passengers to make the trip from the City Pier to downtown Bradenton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Five new passengers boarded Miss Anna Maria for the first return trip from the City Pier to downtown Bradenton. Visting from Colorado, Kristen Deevy and her friends, Sue and Bob, planned to eat brunch in downtown Bradenton and explore the downtown area on foot.
Five passengers boarded the Miss Anna Maria for its first return trip to downtown Bradenton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Marketing Director Kolby Gayson, 12 passengers booked passage on the Downtown Duchess for the ferry service’s second Sunday morning voyage to the City Pier.
The passengers settled in for their ferry ride to downtown Bradenton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Weather permitting, Miss Anna Maria and her sister ship, Downtown Duchess, were to continue making hourly trips between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria until 9 p.m. To establish consistency of service, the hourly ferry trips were to be made with or without passengers onboard.
The now-active Gulf Islands Ferry service will operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. The ferry service will also travel to the Bradenton Beach Pier once some needed docking modifications are completed there.
At approximately 10 a.m., Miss Anna Maria headed back to downtown Bradenton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The round-trip fare for adults 18 and older is $10 and a one-way trip is $6. The round-trip fare for seniors, active military members and youths aged 4 to 18 is $6 and a one-way trip is $4. Children 3 and younger ride free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com.
ANNA MARIA – Island-based G.I. Bins is responsible for keeping the City Pier clean.
Every other week, company owners Ryan Pfahler and Scott Hoogewind spend four to five hours cleaning the pier after it closes at 10 p.m.
G.I. Bins also cleans residential and commercial trash bins and dumpsters, power washes residential and commercial structures and provides water removal services too.
G.I. Bins began cleaning the City Pier in July after a chance meeting with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy’s wife, Barbara.
“We were at an AMI Chamber of Commerce event and my wife, Marcy, was talking with the mayor’s wife,” Pfahler said. “Barb asked Marcy if we had enough hose to get to the end of the pier because the mayor hadn’t found a company that could do that. The pier is about a thousand feet long and we’ve got about 1,200 feet of hose. We contacted the mayor and he said he’d give us one shot at it. We went out, cleaned the pier and took all night to do it. It was very dirty and had not been cleaned well in over a year. They came out the next day and said it looks brand new and you’ve got the job.”
“They made us earn the pier job,” Hoogewind said. “The mayor said he wouldn’t sign a contract until he knew we could do it. The mayor was happy and they signed us for two years.”
G.I. Bins utilizes a multi-purpose customized Isuzu truck. – Joe Hendricks | SunThe customized G.I. Bins truck can heat water to 200 degrees. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“You can’t use chemicals on the pier and you can’t increase the pressure because you’ll damage the wood,” Pfahler explained. “We use hot water to get the pier clean and our customized Isuzu truck heats the water to 200 degrees. We carry 800 gallons of water in our truck, but for big jobs like the pier we hook into their water and run it through our heater.”
“The truck is everything you’d want for the power washing, trash bin cleaning and water recovery. I’ve never seen another truck like it,” Hoogewind added. “With over 1,200 feet of hose, there’s no job we can’t reach.”
Bird waste and fish remains are among the elements that dirty the City Pier. – G.I. Bins | SubmittedAfter being cleaned, the City Pier decking looks new again. – G.I. Bins | Submitted
Cleaning the pier is a three-step process that begins with running a pressure washer surface cleaner, which is on wheels, over the pier decking. The surface cleaner features high-pressure jets that spin while dispensing hot water. The wooden tables, benches and pier edges are then cleaned using a smaller surface cleaner that features brushes and an agitator. Using hot water, they then spray the entire pier to complete the job.
Ryan Pfahler uses a surface cleaner to clean the pier decking. – Joe Hendricks | SunScott Hoogewind uses a hot water-powered surface cleaner to clean the City Pier decking. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Hoogewind said he enjoys the work and the scenery they’re exposed to while cleaning the pier.
“It’s just me and Ryan out here at night and we have the pier to ourselves. I love it. You never know what you’re going to see. We’ve seen hammerheads, dolphins and more,” he said.
“We also have a vacuum recovery system and we were very busy removing water after the recent flooding on the Island,” Pfahler said. “We clean garbage bins and dumpsters with our vacuum system and the apparatus on the back of the truck that lifts the bins. We do a lot of pressure washing and soft washing too.”
Soft washing utilizes cleaning solutions and chemicals to remove mold, mildew and things of that nature. G.I. Bins power washes and soft washes residential and commercial structures, roofs, driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, hallways, entryways and more. G.I. Bins recently soft-washed and pressure-washed the Pine Trailer Park clubhouse in preparation for it to be repainted.
Partnership formed
Ken Murillo and José Paguada formed G.I. Bins in West Michigan four years ago and they’re partners in the Pfahler and Hoogewind’s Florida operation. Murillo served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a Marine Corps recruiter in Michigan, thus the company’s military affiliation.
“José and Ken have a few trucks and trailers doing business up there,” Pfahler said. “Our truck was built and equipped in Michigan. José sells Isuzu trucks and helps build the bin hoisting apparatus and cleaning system in the back.”
An apparatus attached to the G.I. Bins’ truck lifts the trash bins to be cleaned. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Pfahler spent 34 years working as a school administrator in Michigan. He was also a partner in a property maintenance company. In May 2020, he and Marcy bought a mobile home in the Pines Trailer Park. Marcy moved down that October and Ryan arrived a month later with the G.I. Bins truck after spending a month or so in Michigan getting the new business organized. Hoogewind, his wife, Andrea, and their children, Scarlett and Ryker, arrived last May.
“Scott’s 20 years younger than me but we graduated from the same high school,” Pfahler said.
“I was a truck driver. My dad owns a construction company and I’ve done construction work too,” Hoogewind said. “I’ve been working since I was nine years old. I met Ryan in Michigan. I’ve always wanted to move to Florida and I’ve always wanted to own my own business. José connected us and we have a great partnership. Ryan and I do everything, and our wives sometimes help. I grew up in an old Dutch family in Grand Rapids. Your last name is your bond and your work ethic is what they judge you by. We take our job seriously. You can trust us to do the job right and we’ll treat you like family.”
Scott Hoogewind and Ryan Pfahler clean the Anna Maria City Pier as part of their G.I. Bins’ business operations. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We’re part of the community,” Pfahler added. “We own the company, we do the marketing, we run the truck, we take care of the truck, we do all the work ourselves and our work is 100% guaranteed.”
For more information, visit www.gibins.us or call or text 616-710-1110.
ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service is scheduled to launch and make its first stop at the Anna Maria City Pier on Friday, Jan. 12. The first ferry trip to Bradenton Beach remains on hold.
The county announced the new launch date in a press release issued on Dec. 29. The county and its contracted ferry operator, Gulf Coast Water Taxi, previously hoped to begin service on Dec. 8. That launch date was delayed because the ferry service had not yet received U.S. Coast Guard certification and the modifications needed at the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach docking facilities had not been completed.
“The initial route of the two 50-foot open-air catamarans, Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, will take riders from the day dock in downtown Bradenton to the Anna Maria City Pier. The historic city pier at Bradenton Beach will be added to the route system as soon as some minor enhancements are completed,” according to the press release.
The boat landing at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier will also serve as a ferry stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Visitors and residents can catch a ride on the water Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ride times between stops will range from 25-40 minutes. The two catamarans hold 49 passengers and will have two crew aboard to ensure smooth transport to and from each port,” the press release states.
According to the Gulf Island Ferry website, one-way ticket prices are $6 for adults 18 and older, $4 for seniors, active military members and youths aged 4 to 18. Children 3 years old and younger ride free. Round trip ticket prices are $10 for adults 18 and up, $6 for seniors, active military members and youths 4 to 18 years of age, and children 3 and younger ride free.
Bradenton Beach stops
According to Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry, the floating dock at the Bradenton Beach Pier and the nearby public dinghy dock at the foot of the pier boardwalk are both being made available for the county ferry service.
Perry said engineering plans are still needed for the installation of a ramp that will provide passenger access between the ferry boats and the dinghy dock. In the meantime, the county and its contracted ferry operator plan to initially use the floating dock once it’s equipped with a temporary lift for ferry passengers.
Perry said the temporary lift will be installed at the boat slip closest to the police boat lift at the west end of the floating dock. That slip is located closest to the Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramp that provides access between the floating dock and the elevated pier. Perry did not provide an estimated completion date for the dock modifications.
During past ferry service discussions, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the ferries would also stop at one of the county-owned Coquina boat ramps at the south end of Bradenton Beach, across the street from Coquina Beach. The Dec. 29 press release does not mention a Coquina boat ramp ferry stop.
MCAT buses, the MCAT-affiliated free Island trolley service and various other privately operated shuttle services will provide additional ground transportation for ferry passengers traveling to destinations not located within walking distance from the Island ferry stops.
ANNA MARIA – Vacation rental legislation, consolidation, the Gulf Island Ferry service, the Mote Marine outreach center, the Reimagining Pine Avenue planning process and the city’s 100th anniversary were among the city’s top stories of 2023.
Rental bills defeated
In April and May, Anna Maria officials, the city-owned Home Rule Florida website, Island residents and the city’s contracted lobbyist in Tallahassee played key roles in fighting off the Florida Legislature’s annual attempt to preempt vacation rental regulations to the state and strip city and county governments of their authority and ability to enact and enforce local vacation rental regulations. The Home Rule Florida website generated more than 40,000 emails and letters in opposition to the House and Senate vacation rental bills sent to state legislators.
Consolidation opposed
The mayor and city commission took, and continue to take, a non-adversarial approach with the city’s response to the OPPAGA consolidation study requested by state legislators Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton).
In September, Mayor Dan Murphy sent a letter to Boyd and Robinson that stated that he and the city commission would support consolidating some of the similar city services provided by all three Island cities, but he and the commission do not support consolidating the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach into one city.
On Nov. 7, Murphy and Commission Chair Mark Short met with OPPAGA representatives and learned that OPPAGA and the Florida Legislature are not required to share the consolidation study report with the three Island cities when the study is completed in 2024.
In mid-November, the city received from OPPAGA a request for information that asked the city to address the pros and cons of the three possible consolidation options: consolidating similar services only, consolidating the three cities into one new Island city or annexing and consolidating the three Island cities into the city of Bradenton.
Ferry stop modified
Manatee County’s proposed Gulf Island Ferry stop at the City Pier was a frequent topic of city commission discussion in 2023. In August, commissioners rejected the county’s proposal to install a floating finger dock and submerged pilings and create a gated and locked landing area at the T-end of the pier to be used exclusively by the ferries. In September, the commission approved the county’s plan to simply attach two non-submerged composite pilings to the existing boat landing instead.
The boat landing at the T-end of the City Pier is approved as a Gulf Island Ferry stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The anticipated Dec. 8 launch of the ferry service was delayed in part because the U.S. Coast Guard had not yet certified the two 49-passenger pontoon boats to be used for the ferry service between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. Uncompleted docking modifications also contributed to the delay. A new anticipated launch date has not been provided.
Mote facility opens
In early May, the long-delayed Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center opened to the public. Located in a city-owned building at the T-end of the City Pier and offering free admission, the outreach center features live and virtual marine life and marine habitat exhibits.
In November, City Commissioner Robert Kingan said that by the end of October, the marine outreach center had received approximately 70,000 visitors since it opened and was averaging about 460 visitors per day.
Reimagining pine avenue project expanded
After not receiving a satisfactory bid for the initial Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project approved in 2022, the mayor and city commission decided to expand the project to include similar safety improvements along Spring Avenue and Magnolia Avenue in hopes of generating more interest from construction companies for an expanded project that has approximately $3.3 million in available state, federal and city funding.
The Reimagining Pine Avenue project will include a prototype test area between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In November, the commission supported Mayor Dan Murphy’s suggestion to begin the expanded project in 2024 with a block prototype along Pine Avenue, between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. The one-block prototype will serve as a test area for the larger project and will include new paver sidewalks, new crosswalks and new streetlights.
Commission vacancies open
In January, Charlie Salem was appointed to serve the remainder of Carol Carter’s vacated commission term. In November, Salem and Commissioner Jon Crane earned additional two-year terms in office after running unopposed. City Commissioner Deanie Sebring vacated her city commission seat in September and Robert Kingan vacated his commission seat in early December.
The three remaining commissioners – Salem, Crane and Short – will appoint two new commissioners on Jan. 25.
Idalia causes flooding
In late August, the combined arrival of Hurricane Idalia and king tides produced flooding in Anna Maria and throughout Anna Maria Island and Cortez.
Hurricane Idalia and high tides produced significant street flooding in Anna Maria. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In Anna Maria, some ground-level homeowners experience flood water intruding into their homes. The flooding and street flooding were particularly heavy in some areas along Magnolia Avenue, North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard.
City celebrates centennial, more
In late May, the city held the first of two centennial celebrations at City Pier Park. Taking place immediately after the city’s Patriotic Symphony Salute in recognition of Memorial Day, the centennial celebration included a historical presentation by longtime Island resident Tom Aposporos and music from the year 1923 performed by musicians from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. Before the celebration, the city purchased ceremonial centennial flags that were displayed along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive.
In September, a second centennial celebration took place at the park featuring local non-profit organizations, food, beer and wine sales and live music.
In October, the city-hosted farmers’ market at City Pier Park returned for the season. In November, the city hosted its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” parade and veterans recognition ceremony. Also in November, the annual Thanks-Living community gathering and potluck dinner took place at City Pier Park.
Other happenings
In March, Sgt. Brett Getman returned to his duties as the leader of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria Unit after suffering a major heart attack while on duty in December 2022.
In October, the city commission discussed allowing dogs in City Pier Park, but no final decision has been made.
In November, the city closed on the $1 million purchase of a building previously leased to the city for use as a city annex for the building department. The building department will return to city hall and the Anna Maria Unit of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is moving into the recently purchased building.
In November, German brewer and restaurateur Oliver “Oli” Lemke bought the Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant from Mario Schoenfelder.
Passings
Former Anna Maria Island Sun reporter and copy editor Pat Copeland passed away on June 13 at 76. Her life was celebrated with a ceremony that included a New Orleans-style second-line march down Pine Avenue. Copeland was also the co-founder of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum.
Pat Copeland left a lasting mark on Anna Maria Island with her reporting, her historical preservation and her dedication to family, friends and community. – Anna Hayden | Submitted
Former Anna Maria City Commissioner Gene Aubry passed away on Dec. 9 at 88. He lived in Palmetto at the time of his death. Aubry served as a commissioner from 2010-13. He moved to Anna Maria in 1985, where he continued to work as an architect after a long and successful career as an architect in Texas and elsewhere.
Former City Commissioner Gene Aubry unsuccessfully lobbied for City Pier railings in 2019. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County hoped to launch its Gulf Island Ferry service on Dec. 8, but the anticipated launch date has been pushed back.
When speaking to The Sun on Dec. 6, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the ferry service was still awaiting final Coast Guard certification and the completion of ferry-related docking modifications and sign installations at the City Pier in Anna Maria and the public dinghy dock and floating day dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier.
The Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton and one of the Coquina boat ramps in Bradenton Beach will also serve as ferry stops.
The Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton serves as the home base for the Gulf Island Ferry service. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“As much as I wanted Dec. 8 to be a reality, we’re going to miss that date, but the light is bright at the end of the tunnel,” Falcione said. “The county operator’s made good progress, but there’s still some final details that aren’t done yet. We’re going to give the new start date when we know everything is ready.”
Falcione did not provide a new anticipated start date, but said he expects the new county-funded ferry service to begin after the arrival of the new year, if not sooner.
Falcione said the delay will also provide the ferry captains and crews with some extra training time on the local waters along the ferry route which many experienced boat captains have noted can be challenging when the wind blows and the water is choppy.
“This will give the operator some additional sea trial time for the training of their crews because the focus is to protect the safety and the welfare of the passengers. Safety is paramount,” Falcione said.
Docking improvements
In Anna Maria, two non-submerged composite pilings will be affixed to the City Pier’s existing boat landing area to accommodate ferry dockage.
The existing boat landing at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier will be used as a ferry stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
In Bradenton Beach, safety modifications have been made to the public dinghy dock near the foot of the pier boardwalk. During a Dec. 6 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, City Attorney and CRA Liaison Ricinda Perry said Falcione advised her of the delay.
Perry said Duncan Seawall recently installed safety enhancements at the dinghy dock that will help prevent ferry passengers from accidentally falling off the dock. She also addressed the current use of the dinghy dock by live-aboard and visiting boaters in the unmanaged anchorage south of the pier.
The public dinghy dock in Bradenton Beach will be used as a ferry stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We do need to address the dinghies that are parking right out on the end of the dinghy area where the ferry will be coming in. This will interfere with the ferry service,” Perry said.
Perry said dinghy dockage will not be eliminated, but the dinghies will need to be docked closer to the shoreline to not interfere with ferry dockage.
Perry said the ferries will also be able to dock next to the police boat lift in the oversized slip at the floating day dock adjacent to the Bradenton Beach Pier.
“Both of those facilities will get used for the ferry system,” she said.
Perry thanked Public Works Department Director Tom Woodard and his team for clearing a small area and creating a pocket park and ferry waiting area between the pier boardwalk and the dinghy dock. A pavilion will be constructed in that area later as the ferry service enhancements continue.
On Nov. 20, invited guests and media members were treated to ferry cruises on the Manatee River. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
When initiated, the Gulf Island Ferry service operated by the Gulf Coast Water Taxi company will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. After the initial service is established, the county and its contracted ferry operator will assess future service revisions based on ridership demand and rider feedback.
For updates and more information, please visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.
MANATEE COUNTY – Elected officials, invited guests and media members took a cruise on the Gulf Island Ferries on Monday afternoon.
The county-funded ferries are expected to begin service on Friday, Dec. 8, pending final Coast Guard certification. The covered pontoon boat ferries will initially run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The ferry service will include stops at the Anna Maria City Pier, the public dinghy dock near the Bradenton Beach Pier, the North or South Coquina boat ramp (yet to be decided) and the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton. The initial fare will be $8 per one-way trip, with discounts provided for seniors, children and toddlers.
The Miss Anna Maria and the Downtown Duchess departed from the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Nov. 20 ferry ceremonies at the Bradenton Riverwalk began with 10th grade Manatee School of the Arts student Marley Holmes singing “God Bless America,” followed by an opening prayer led by Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers from Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria.
Senior Pastor Dirk Rodgers blessed the Gulf Island Ferry fleet. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said the ferry service has been desired and discussed for decades and is now becoming a reality. He noted that until the Cortez Bridge was built in the 1920s, ferries and boats were the only mode of transportation to the Island.
“100 years later, we have these two ferries,” he said, before Pastor Rodgers conducted the ancient tradition of the blessing of the fleet.
County Commission Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge is glad to see the ferry service becoming a reality. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said that once the initial service is operational, the county will explore grant opportunities in hopes of purchasing an enclosed high-speed ferry that will carry passengers between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier. The two pontoon boats would then be used to ferry passengers between the three Anna Maria Island destinations. And at some point next year, the county hopes to initiate free ferry service for those who work on the Island and live on the mainland.
At approximately 1 p.m., the Miss Anna Maria departed the Riverwalk Day Dock and headed west down the Manatee River, followed by the Downtown Duchess.
Once up to speed, the Miss Anna Maria traveled the Manatee River at approximately 12 knots per hour. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The Miss Anna Maria turned around about halfway down the river and the Downtown Duchess continued its 40-minute trip to the City Pier in Anna Maria. The ferry didn’t dock at the existing City Pier landing area that’s still awaiting the attachment of two composite pilings needed for ferry dockage.
The sloped City Pier landing area to the left of the pier building will serve as a Gulf Island Ferry stop. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
During the return trip, Tourist Development Council board member Eric Carnes said, “This is absolutely fantastic. This is a great day for Anna Maria Island and a great day for the city of Bradenton. The visitors and employees that come to the Island on the ferries will have a great experience.”
Each ferry can carry 49 passengers, a captain and one crew member. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “We’ve got seaworthy vessels. It was a smooth ride and the captain knows what he’s doing. The seats are comfortable and the ride was enjoyable. It’s a nice relaxing way to get out to our Island, with no traffic.”
Elliott Falcione and Mayor Dan Murphy enjoyed their cruise to the Anna Maria City Pier and back. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
As the Downtown Duchess docked, Falcione said, “It was my first time on this river. It was more than just a ferry service. The water is an experience that will help showcase that ‘real authentic Florida’ to our visitors.”
ANNA MARIA – Bradenton Beach resident Rob Edwards made a heartwarming discovery while recently photographing the sunrise at the Anna Maria City Pier.
Edwards, a retired electrician from New York, often takes photographs of the Island sunrises to send to his snowbird friends up north. On Sept. 9, which also happened to be his son’s birthday, he decided to take that day’s sunrise photo at the City Pier.
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2024
Rob Edwards found the painted rock near the City Pier. – Rob Edwards | Submitted
While standing among the shoreline rocks near the foot of the pier, Edwards looked down and saw a rock with Winnie the Pooh painted on one side of it. Winnie the Pooh happens to be one of his son’s favorite characters. At first, Edwards thought he’d found a rock painted by Marilia Stumpf Clarke, an Island resident who paints messages on rocks – sometimes called “kindness rocks” or “kindness stones” – and leaves them all over the Island. But when Edwards picked up this rock and read the memorial message on the other side, he knew it was something different.
The message on the rock says, “In memory of Ava Rose Vaske, Oct. 4, 2002 – Sept. 11, 2022, West Des Moines, Iowa.”
The painted rock memorializes Ava Rose Vaske. – Rob Edwards | Submitted
Not knowing what to do with his discovery, Edwards took the rock home and posted photos of it on the Anna Maria Island Life Facebook page. Someone suggested he reach out to Ava’s family. From a family member, Edwards learned Ava passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 19. She had been planning a trip to Anna Maria Island but never made it due to her illness. According to Ava’s still-active Facebook page, she was a student at Iowa State University.
Iowa resident Ava Rose Vaske passed away when she was 19. – Ava Rose Vaske/Facebook | Submitted
After Ava’s passing, her mother decided to paint rocks in her memory and have friends place them in various places so her spirit could experience those places. She painted 100 rocks, three of which featured Winnie the Pooh, a favorite of Ava’s. One of the three Pooh rocks was placed on Ava’s grave. Another was given to a young girl at the Mayo Clinic suffering from the same disease. The third Pooh rock was given to a family friend who was headed to Anna Maria Island. That friend placed Ava’s rock near the City Pier.
Ava’s painted rock experienced sunrise at the Sandpiper mobile home park dock. – Rob Edwards | Submitted
The family member Edwards communicated with told him to keep the rock. Given the affinity Ava and his son shared for Winnie the Pooh, and the fact that he found the painted rock on his son’s birthday, Edwards decided to carry it with him on his Island travels and post photos of those experiences on Facebook.
Ava’s painted rock visited a parrot at Sun and Surf. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Edwards has since shared photos of Ava’s rock by a parrot cage at the Sun and Surf beach shop in Holmes Beach, on the beach near the 26th Street street-end in Bradenton Beach, and at sunrise by the dock at the Sandpiper Resort mobile home park where he lives. His Facebook posts have generated more than 1,000 likes, comments and emojis from other Facebook users.
Rob Edwards brought Ava’s rock to the beach near his Bradenton Beach home. – Rob Edwards | Submitted
“The family is ecstatic over the outpouring of love and compassion shown by so many total strangers,” Edwards said. “As for the Ava stone, Ava and I will continue to travel together.”
ANNA MARIA – The city commission has approved an interlocal agreement that allows Manatee County to use the City Pier as a Gulf Island Ferry stop.
The unanimous approval granted on Sept. 21 ends a lengthy negotiation process that included the mayor and city commissioners recently rejecting the county’s request to make $300,000 in modifications to the City Pier. The rejected modifications included a floating perpendicular dock and a gated, exclusive ferry landing area at the existing boat landing at the T-end of the pier.
The county previously entered into an interlocal agreement with the city of Bradenton Beach to use the Bradenton Beach Pier as a ferry stop. The county also entered into an interlocal agreement with the city of Bradenton to use the Riverwalk Day Dock as a ferry stop.
Two composite pilings will be attached to the existing City Pier boat landing. – City of Anna Maria | Submitted
On Thursday, the Anna Maria City Commission approved the county’s request to attach two composite bumper pilings to the existing boat landing. Mayor Dan Murphy said pilings will be attached to the existing landing area but will not extend downward into the state-owned submerged land below the Tampa Bay waters. Murphy noted driving pilings into the state-owned land would require approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Gulf Island Ferry boats will use the boat landing at the T-end of the pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Murphy said the piling installation will cost the county about $10,000. The city will pay for the ongoing maintenance of the pilings. If the city decides later to opt out of the interlocal agreement, the city must reimburse the county for the initial piling installation expenditure.
Ramps carried on the ferries will provide pier access for arriving and departing passengers. Other boats docked at the public landing area must yield to arriving ferries.
A Gulf Island Ferry visited the City Pier on Sept. 7. – Amy Stanley/Facebook | Submitted
Commissioner Charlie Salem thanked Murphy for the time and effort he put into the interlocal agreement negotiations that ultimately saved the county and its taxpayers $290,000.
Expected to begin service at some point this year, the Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach will initially operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fare will be $8 for a one-way trip, $5 for children making a one-way trip and $6 for seniors making a one-way trip.
Commissioner Jon Crane doesn’t expect the limited ferry service to have much impact on reducing automobile traffic and congestion to and from the Island. Nor does he expect the ferry service to be heavily utilized by employees who commute to the Island for work. Crane said he hopes the city and the county have ongoing conversations about increasing and expanding the limited ferry service.
Murphy agreed and said the initial offering is at least a starting point that hopefully leads to increased service and a greater emphasis being placed on transporting Island employees.
ANNA MARIA – Manatee County and Anna Maria city officials continue to discuss the safety and docking modifications needed to accommodate a Gulf Island Ferry stop at the city pier.
Those negotiations remain ongoing, and the city and the county have not yet entered into an interlocal agreement that would allow the city pier to serve as a ferry stop.
At some point this year, Manatee County plans to begin Friday, Saturday and Sunday ferry service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, with stops at the city pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.
In August, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission rejected the county’s proposal to install pilings, a floating dock and a gated and locked ferry landing area at the existing boat landing at the T-end of the pier. Murphy told county officials to focus instead on installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant landing ramps on the ferries so passengers can embark and disembark without significant modifications made to the pier.
Pier visit
On Sept. 7, one of the Gulf Island Ferry boats made a trial run that included stops at each planned ferry stop. Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione is leading the county’s efforts to implement the water taxi service. He told The Sun that meetings with city officials took place at each of the trial run stops that day.
Later that evening, Murphy provided the city commission with a progress update. He said he met with Falcione, an engineer, a ferry captain and others on the pier earlier that day. He noted county officials refer to the two new boats as ferries, rather than water taxis, and that’s how the county service is being marketed.
“I don’t have an agreement to show you, but we’re closer,” Murphy told the commission.
He said he was asked if the city would allow the county to drive two pilings near the existing landing area to provide better stabilization for the ferries. Murphy said he didn’t know if the pilings would require permits from the Army Corps of Engineers or other regulating agencies. As an alternative to the pilings, county officials also suggested the installation of a mooring arm that would help stabilize the docked ferries.
Murphy said the county officials brought no illustrated plans to the ad-hoc pier meeting. He asked them to submit two plans, with estimated costs, for city commission consideration – one plan for pilings and another for a mooring arm.
Murphy said if pilings are installed, the city would specify that they must be made of concrete or plastic composite. He noted there are worms in the Tampa Bay waters that deteriorate and destroy wood pilings.
Any city-approved pier modifications would be installed at the county’s expense and the city would then be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of those modifications.
“I want it to be very low maintenance,” Murphy said.
Murphy said the city would install signs that require other boats tied to the small public landing area to be occupied at all times so they can be moved to make space for an approaching ferry. Those who leave an unattended boat in the landing area will face a possible fine.
“People have to yield to the water taxi,” Murphy said.
If the city and county enter into an interlocal agreement and the city decides later to opt out of the ferry service, the city must reimburse the county for the pier modifications made.
Commission Chair Mark Short asked if the county provided an estimated timeline to complete the pier modifications. Murphy said no timeline was given but the goal is to get it done as soon as possible.
When contacted by The Sun, Falcione said, “We are making progress and we are getting closer to starting our operation. I am not ready to give an estimated start date.”
ANNA MARIA –City officials rejected Manatee County’s proposed water taxi-related modifications to the City Pier, but negotiations remain ongoing.
On Aug. 3, Mayor Dan Murphy presented the county’s proposed pier modifications to the city commission. The modifications rejected by the mayor and commission included a floating finger dock with submerged pilings attached perpendicular to the existing boat landing at the T-end of the pier. The county also proposed railings and a locked gate that would have provided exclusive access to the county water taxis.
The county’s rejected plan proposed a floating finger dock (in red), and an exclusive water taxi landing area (in yellow) at the T-end of the pier (in blue). – Manatee County | Submitted
The county-funded water taxis will initially be operated from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach by the county-contracted Gulf Island Ferry company.
“When I saw this, I was not happy with it at all,” Murphy told the commission.
Murphy said the proposed pier modifications would cost the county $300,000, but the city would have to reimburse the county for that amount if the city later decided to opt out of the water taxi program.
Murphy said Anna Maria, like Bradenton and Bradenton Beach, will now agree to pay for the ongoing maintenance of any county-funded pier modifications approved by the city commission.
The mayor and commission are also concerned that the county has not yet provided specific details pertaining to any additional water taxi-related safety modifications needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Murphy said the proposed finger dock would require several pilings that would require permitting by the Army Corps of Engineers, which could be a lengthy process.
Murphy said he met with Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione on Aug. 1, before the Council of Governments (COG) meeting later that afternoon.
“I told them this is not an acceptable proposal for the city of Anna Maria,” Murphy said. “You need to keep this simple, short, sweet and very cost-effective with minimal or no cost to the city if we decide to cancel,” Murphy said.
“My proposal back to them was just to dock parallel to the existing landing. If there’s any modification that needs to be made, make them to your boat. It’s a lot cheaper to modify a boat than it is to do all this and it requires no permit,” he said.
Murphy said the proposed pier modifications were designed by the county’s contracted engineering firm without any consultation with the city.
He said Van Ostenbridge and Falcione agreed with his simplified approach for the water taxi landing area and will proceed in that direction.
“With what I proposed, they literally could be in business in a couple of days. There’s no rocket science here. Somehow, I think this will come to fruition,” he said.
Regarding the service itself, Murphy said, “I told them this is not the focus of what our city wants for a water taxi, based upon the hours of operation and the days of operation. It’s not what we view as an endgame, but it’s a start in the right direction. I endorse that start and recommend that start because I truly believe there’s a future here in the water taxi to serving this city, particularly as it relates to bringing employees out here. Make it fast, make it economical, make it attractive to employees to bring them out and drop them off here or down in Bradenton Beach. It would have to be efficient and timely. Three days a week with the hours they propose is not going to attract many employees,” Murphy said.
Murphy said Falcione and Van Ostenbridge agreed and they recognize this is just a starting point for a service that will hopefully later be expanded.
“If it works, it works. If it doesn’t work, I don’t want to have to pay a ransom to walk away,” Murphy said.
Commissioner Deanie Sebring said the county’s proposed plan didn’t consider that fishing is a primary use of the City Pier. She said the proposed railing and gated area made no sense.
As an alternative, Murphy said the commission could adopt a city resolution that prohibits unattended boats from being tied up to the pier landing area. Commissioner Charlie Salem said if the water taxis run on a regular schedule, docking at the landing could be prohibited during those 15 intervals.
When commenting on the proposed modifications, Commission Chair Mark Short said, “I hate this. I hate tying up one corner of the pier by putting a fence up. I hate the logistics of putting a dock in. They’re proposing wooden pilings that won’t last in Tampa Bay. Bringing it in sideways makes way too much sense to me. There’s rarely a boat that docks there anyway.”
Short reiterated Commissioner Jon Crane’s concerns that the county still hasn’t presented any proposed ADA compliance modifications and he questioned whether that could include a proposal to install safety railings along the entire length of the pier walkway, where none currently exist.
Echoing Murphy’s comments, Short said the service schedule and rates are not going to encourage Island employees to use the water taxis to commute from the mainland.
“I don’t see any incentive for someone who would want to take this to come out here and work. Maybe that’s the next step,” Short said.
Future expansion
During Tuesday’s COG meeting, Falcione discussed the anticipated future expansion of the water taxi/ferry service. He said the county plans to apply for a grant to purchase a larger, high-speed ferry to transport passengers between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria, with the two pontoon boats then traveling between the City Pier, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Coquina South boat ramp.
The Gulf Island Ferry water taxis were recently placed in the water in Cortez. – Manatee County | Submitted
Falcione envisions water taxi/ferry service someday taking place seven days a week with an expanded route and additional stops, including stops near the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto and the new Marriot hotel currently being built next to it, and at the Powel Crosley Estate near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
Falcione said the initial water taxi service is now expected to begin this fall, to be followed in early 2024 with a program that incentivizes employee ridership. Falcione said the county has already committed $1.4 million to the water taxi/ferry service.
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