BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners approved a second amendment to an existing interlocal agreement with Manatee County for hurricane-related repairs to the Bradenton Beach Pier.
The amended interlocal agreement approved by the city commission on March 19 also provides additional funds to enhance the city-owned floating dock located next to the city-owned pier.
A portion of the floating dock is used as a Gulf Islands Ferry landing.
“In addition to the repairs of the Bradenton Beach city pier, the county and city intend to enhance the Bradenton Beach Pier to accommodate the new, larger third water ferry,” the amended interlocal agreement states.
The most recent amendment to the agreement notes the city and county first entered into the interlocal agreement on Jan. 8, 2025, so the city could repair the damage the pier and the floating dock sustained during Hurricane Milton.
The original agreement was amended in May when the original reimbursement amount was increased.
Ferry-related enhancements will be made to the floating dock located next to the Bradenton Beach Pier. – Leslie Lake | Sun
The second amendment to the agreement says, “In order to continue with the city pier enhancements, the county and the city wish to amend the agreement to incorporate additional pier elements and extend the agreement termination date to allow for the city to complete the project.”
The agreement’s termination date is being extended to Sept. 30.
The Hurricane Milton-related repairs include replacing decking, pilings and handrails; repairing the dinghy dock and repairing or replacing the floating docks on the south side of the pier. The total pier repair project costs are not to exceed$375,000 and the county will reimburse the city for the project expenses incurred.
Some of the hurricane repairs have been completed and some repairs remain pending.
Regarding the ferry service enhancements, the amended agreement says, “To accommodate the addition of a third, larger ferry, enhancements to the current docking area are needed. The project includes, but is not limited to, the following: upgrade and extend the fire suppression system on the main fishing pier; add aluminum gussets for angle reinforcement to all finger piers; add mooring piles to the water taxi slip; and add heavy-duty waste receptacles and benches,” the amendment states.
The pending ferry enhancement costs are not to exceed $100,000. The city will incur the original costs and then be reimbursed by the county.
The pier fence enhancement costs that are not to exceed $15,000 are included in the not-to-exceed $100,000 limit for the ferry enhancement costs.
“We are extending our agreement with the county in order to get reimbursed for projects that occurred at the pier,” Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said during the March 19 meeting.
Mayor John Chappie expressed his appreciation for the county’s financial support.
HOLMES BEACH – The new, larger and partially enclosed Gulf Islands Ferry boat, the Manatee Belle, has arrived and is expected begin service in January.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione announced the arrival of the new boat during the ferry update presentation he made to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council members on Dec. 15 and the similar update he provided the Holmes Beach mayor and commissioners on Dec. 16.
According to multiple sources, the county is pursuing the potential purchase of a boat slip or boat slips in the Waterline Marina in Holmes Beach. Before Falcione addressed the Holmes Beach Commission, City Attorney Erica Augello advised the mayor and commissioners not to specifically address those ongoing county efforts.
“There is not an active application with the city, but there have been pre-application meetings with the city with regard to a water taxi or ferry location in Holmes Beach. If there’s any questions, I would ask that they not be with relation specifically to the city of Holmes Beach because that is likely to come before you,” Augello said. Falcione, the mayor and the commissioners heeded her legal advice.
Falcione’s presentation
Operated by a contracted third party, the Gulf Islands Ferry service is part of the county’s public transit system that also includes the free countywide MCAT bus service and the Free Island Trolley bus service on Anna Maria Island.
Falcione’s presentation included a photo of the Manatee Belle. He told the Holmes Beach Commission the new boat will likely be put in service at some point in January.
He said the $3 million the county spent to purchase the new boat was 100% funded by the 6% tourist development tax levied on motel, resort and vacation rental stays on the Island and throughout Manatee County.
Falcione said the Manatee Belle can accommodate approximately 96 passengers and the enclosed interior seating area includes air conditioning and heat. The Manatee Belle also has an open-air seating area at the stern of the boat.
The stern of the Manatee Belle includes an open-air passenger area. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Falcione said the ferry captains and crew members are currently conducting sea trials and the U.S. Coast Guard still has to sign off on its commercial use before it can be put in service.
The Manatee Belle is now docked at the Twin Dolphins marina in Bradenton, not far from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton that serves as the mainland ferry stop. The Gulf Islands Ferry service currently consists of two smaller, open-air catamaran pontoon boats that travel between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier on the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Manatee Belle will initially travel that same route between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier.
The ferry system currently utilizes two pontoon catamarans that began service in 2024. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The ferry service that began at the Anna Maria City Pier in January 2024 was suspended later that year when back-to-back hurricanes destroyed most of the pier walkway. The walkway is now being rebuilt and county officials hope to install a new ferry landing alongside the Anna Maria City Pier that’s expected to fully reopen in the fall of 2026.
When the City Pier reopens, the 100,000-pound Manatee Belle is expected to make the primary trips between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria and the two 30,000-pound, 49-passenger pontoon boats will be used as “Island hoppers” that travel between the various Anna Maria Island ferry stops.
Falcione told Holmes Beach commissioners the county plans to soon add a ferry stop at the Coquina Boat Ramp, across the street from Coquina Beach at the south end of Bradenton Beach. He said the county also plans to eventually establish a ferry stop at the Palmetto Estuary in Palmetto, across the street from the Palmetto Marriott Resort and the county’s recently renovated convention center.
Falcione said the ferry service’s primary goal is to reduce traffic congestion near and on Anna Maria Island. He said in the second year of service, just under 50,000 passengers rode the ferries in 2025. He estimated that resulted in approximately 22,000 fewer vehicles traveling to and from the Island using Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road.
He said the weather-related suspension of service days decreased in 2025 and is expected to further decrease when the Manatee Belle becomes operational.
Falcione said the Manatee Belle will also help further the ongoing efforts to implement free ferry service for employees who work on the Island and commute from the mainland.
BRADENTON BEACH – The future Cortez Marina at the site of the former Seafood Shack restaurant is expected to become an integral part of Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry system.
County commissioners and Bradenton Beach officials discussed the expansion at a June 18 joint meeting.
“Something that we’re considering is the potential addition of a water taxi at what we’re tentatively calling the Cortez Marina,” County Commissioner Tal Siddique said. “We are currently in the process of building a dimensional plan for that and potentially coming out to the community to see what partners might be interested in abiding to that concept with us. You take what’s today an hour ride that would be shortened by half with the new boat and with a 10-minute stopover at the new property.”
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the county hopes to make the marina a ferry stop and eventually keep ferries overnight there.
Bradenton Beach commissioner Ralph Cole asked if the marina would have a parking facility for people who drive to the marina and take the ferry.
“We’re still in early design stage, we’re talking about parking, we’re talking about other opportunities in that greater area,” County Commission Chair George Kruse said. “One of the concepts has been to have the ferry come across because that alleviates traffic and keeps cars off your Island. But to do that, we’re going to need sufficient parking because we’re going to need parking for the boat launches for the trailers and other utilization. If we’re going to use this ferry, we’ll have to contemplate how we can maximize parking as part of the design.”
“We all know what’s happening in Cortez with the intensity of the corridor,” Siddique said. “The ferry is one part of it. That’s something I’m factoring in so we can have a sustainable action plan inclusive of the Island in the future.”
Currently, two 49-passenger pontoon ferry boats run on a two-stop system between downtown Bradenton and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, a reduced route since the 2024 hurricanes.
“After Hurricane Milton, Anna Maria lost the City Pier and that was one of our landing spots, Falcione said. “The city of Anna Maria is hoping to have that pier rebuilt by late 2026, concurrent with (Manatee County Director of Natural Resources) Charlie Hunsicker’s department to start designing and permitting for a vaulted perpendicular dock to accommodate not just one water ferry, but two; and you’ll have a transfer there. You’ll bring people out of Bradenton, stop, and then the pontoon (boats) will take them to historic Bridge Street.”
Bradenton Beach currently has the only ferry stop on Anna Maria Island. – Sun file photo
Falcione said a larger third water ferry with an enclosed component should be on the water for late summer sea trials and be operational in the fall.
“It will be about 100,000 pounds compared to the two 30,000-pound pontoon catamarans we have now,” he said.
He thanked City Attorney Ricinda Perry for working with Duncan Seawall to make the modifications to the Bradenton Beach Pier to accommodate the third ferry.
“We know that the retailers on Bridge Street are real happy when that ferry pulls in,” Falcione said. “More importantly we have to get down to Coquina Beach. It looks like the south boat ramp is probably the spot. And what that does is it entices more residents to ride the ferry because that’s one of the beaches of choice. If we have about 70% visitors and 30% residents, then we’re doing good,” Falcione said, adding the hope is to begin Coquina Beach service no later than the fall.
Falcione said the ferry service passenger count for 2024 was nearly 28,000 riders.
“That’s about 13,000 cars off the road,” he said.
The MCAT Manatee My Stop app can show visitors having lunch at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on Bridge Street where the ferry is, Falcione said.
The Manatee Belle is expected to make the Manatee River run between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. – Manatee County | Submitted
Ricinda Perry introduced herself as the Bradenton Beach city attorney and CRA director/project manager/public information officer recently named by Police Chief John Cosby to be his number two for emergency operations.
“In wearing that hat, I get to play a lot of different roles in the city that meld together and I think my most favorite is what I do here with the TDC (Manatee County Tourist Development Council),” Perry said. “The TDC in its projects hits a lot of points and pulls a lot of things together that city attorneys don’t get to do when we’re sitting and writing laws. You have the components where you come up with a creative project, and you look at ways that project can benefit the community, protect our residents with a strategic idea of targeting the individuals that we host.”
She spoke about where the city of Bradenton Beach started, its present and its future.
“The water ferry is certainly a big piece of it,” she said. “Bradenton Beach has the vehicle gateway to the city but what was underutilized was the waterfront gateway into the city.”
“When I started 21 years ago, I remember seeing this mess, and when I say a mess, I’m talking about derelict vessels, irresponsible boaters who were dragging their anchors across the seagrasses, they were dumping things overboard into the waterway,” she said. “What we talked about, mainly – chief and I – was what are we going do about this, because it resulted in unsavory individuals who were utilizing that and those individuals would then get off their vessels and they would come down the streets and that impacted tourism. People wanted to stay away from the commercial corridor.”
She said the city obtained jurisdiction over additional boundaries to allow policing in the mooring field and more than 80 derelict vessels were removed.
“The plan is to eventually work with the TDC and make it a tourist hub and (the ferry) an alternate means of getting onto the Island without using a vehicle,” she said.
She said the pier was beyond its age and needed repair and replacement.
“It was a challenge with DEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) permits, FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), ACoE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and submerged land leases. The city worked on getting a permit to put in a floating dock system. The city realized they needed a strong anchor tenant on the pier. AMOB (Anna Maria Oyster Bar) is a huge draw. When the ferry does its drop off, how do you get people moving when they don’t have a car? And they have their towels and their beach toys, and they want to get down to Coquina. How do you connect that last mile?” Perry said.
She described three segments of a plan to move visitors around the city.
“Segment one: Cortez to Bradenton Beach Pier. If you’re putting your marina in and potentially having people parking and enjoying your amenities over on the mainland side, it would be great to connect a walkway from where the bridge stops, have it multi-modal to host golf carts, bicycles and pedestrians so they can walk if they want across the Cortez Bridge and make their way down through the existing marina that’s there,” she said. “I’ve had discussions with that owner (Shawn Kaleta). People can then make their way down to your other stop on the Bradenton Beach Pier. It makes that stop more usable.”
“Segment two would then tie in from the Bradenton Beach Pier a usable crossing area over to the beach that would take you to the county’s segment and the idea is to create a multi-modal trail that continues along.”
“Segment three: That final section that needs to be put together for the multi-modal trail could be from Fifth Street South to Coquina Beach,” Perry said.
BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with Manatee County on April 8 for tourist tax money to be used to repair and modify the city’s floating dock structures.
“This is for repairs to the floating dock system so the ferry can continue to operate,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “Elliott (Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) had agreed to $35,000 and then after discussions with him and some discussions with the boat captain and Duncan (Duncan Seawall) we agreed to $100,000 for the city to make modifications to the floating dock system post-Hurricane Helene.”
The repairs for damage sustained from Hurricanes Helene and Milton include replacing pilings, decking and handrails, repairing the pier’s adjacent dinghy dock and replacing or repairing floating docks on the south side of the pier.
“To accommodate the addition of a third larger ferry, enhancements to the current docking area are needed, ” according to the agreement. The project includes upgrading and extending the fire suppression system on the main fishing pier, adding aluminum reinforcements to all finger piers, adding moor ing piles to the water taxi slip and adding heavy duty waste receptacles and benches. The county will reimburse the city up to $100,000, which is not subject to the FEMA insurance reimbursement requirement.
According to the agreement, the city’s project costs to be reimbursed by the county are not to exceed $375,000. If the city receives insurance or FEMA payments for any pier repair project costs, the city must reimburse the county up to $375,000.
BRADENTON BEACH – Gulf Islands Ferry service between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier resumed on Friday.
The county’s contracted ferry service is currently operating free of charge. Ferry service to the recently installed temporary floating dock in Anna Maria, near the hurricane-damaged City Pier, is expected to resume soon.
Palmetto resident Cathy Brown and Parrish resident Kim Schuerman were the first two passengers to make a post-hurricane trip from Bradenton to Bradenton Beach. Mayor John Chappie and City Attorney Ricinda Perry were on hand to greet them, Capt. Nicholas Francis and mate Terrie Birkett when they arrived.
“I’m so ecstatic to be back at work. I love what I do,” Birkett said.
Brown and Schuerman were on the Island for the first time since back-to-back hurricanes struck in October and November. After disembarking, they spent a few minutes chatting with Police Chief John Cosby, who stood at the top of the ramp that connects with the pier.
Ferry passengers Kim Schuerman and Cathy Brown spoke with Police Chief John Cosby. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“We’re thrilled to see the ferry running again,” Brown told Cosby.
“The restaurants are open and the shops are coming around,” Cosby said. “The ferry will definitely help because we still have all these big trucks driving around. There’s not a lot of parking yet and this area’s very walkable. The ferry’s the best way to come out here right now.”
Cosby noted the Free Island Trolley and the Monkey Bus shuttle service can transport ferry passengers to other destinations Island-wide.
“We’re going to look around and patronize the Island,” Brown said.
“We want to support the restaurants, because that’s the servers’ livelihoods,” Schuerman added.
The temporary ferry landing is located next to the Lake La Vista inlet. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Ferry service to Anna Maria is expected to resume after modifications are made to the barge to be used as a ferry landing until the City Pier reopens. Francis said he was out there the previous day and the wind and currents made docking challenging as the barge is currently configured.
“They’re going to make some adjustments,” Francis said.
The temporary dock in Anna Maria features a metal gangway and a wooden walkway that provide access between the barge and the shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
According to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione, the Gulf Islands Ferry service transported 102 passengers during the first weekend of resumed service. As of Monday afternoon, Falcione did not yet know when ferry service would resume in Anna Maria.
For ferry schedules and ticketing information, visit the Gulf Islands Ferry website.
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.
The floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier is ready to receive ferry passengers. – City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted
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.
A wooden walkway and a metal gangway provide access between the ferry landing barge and the Anna Maria shoreline. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
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.
MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners have approved a $3 million budget amendment to fund the purchase of a third Gulf Island Ferry boat.
On June 11, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione presented the funding request to commissioners for the purchase of a 60-foot, partially enclosed, 93-passenger boat to expand the Gulf Island Ferry fleet to three boats.
The budget amendment also provides additional funds for the current ferry service operations between the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier.
BACVB Executive Director Elliott Falcione presented the funding request on June 11. – Manatee County | Submitted
Falcione hopes to present a purchase order for commission approval in late June before the commission takes its annual summer recess.
Falcione noted the Gulf Island Ferry service began on Jan. 12 with two 49-passenger, open-air pontoon boats and is now operating Wednesday through Sunday, at least through June. The county and the contracted ferry operators will take a month-by-month approach to scheduling during the slower summer months.
Falcione said the pontoon ferries are currently carrying more than 200 passengers a day and carried 14,000 passengers between the initial launch and the end of May.
Regarding the initial purchase of the two pontoon boats, Falcione said, “We had to figure out if the mainland to the Island (route) would work. We always knew the hopper service up and down the Island would work. If the mainland to the Island didn’t work, we would still use those pontoon catamarans out on the Island.”
When addressing the need for a larger boat to handle the river run between downtown Bradenton and the City Pier, Falcione said, “We have suspended 41 days due to wind chop on the Manatee River going out to the mouth of the river. That 41 days is a loss of about 11,000 passengers.”
He noted ferry service at the City Pier has been suspended 10 times due to water currents and other factors.
When presenting a diagram of the proposed vessel, Falcione said 67 seats will be enclosed with air conditioning and heat, two wheelchair spaces, an ADA-compliant restroom and 24 additional open-air seats.
This diagram illustrates what the county desires as a third ferry boat. – Manatee County | Submitted
“It’ll be heavier. It’ll be a little bit faster. It should mitigate 60-70% of the weather that we’re dealing with today. The frustrating thing is, if you approve this today, it’s going to take a year to build,” he said.
The larger enclosed ferry will operate between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier – or the Bradenton Beach Pier if conditions require doing so. The two pontoon boats will then operate between the two Island piers and eventually to one of the county boat ramps near Coquina Beach.
The county plans to apply for a federal transportation grant that would cover 80-85% of the funds needed to purchase a second enclosed ferry boat a year or so after the first enclosed ferry boat arrives. County staff has also been directed to eventually implement a ferry stop near the convention center and new Marriott hotel in Palmetto.
Regarding the ferry service becoming a plausible transportation option for Island employees who live on the mainland, Falcione said the long-term goal is to have an express ferry service that leaves for the Island at 7 a.m. and returns around 5 or 6 p.m. with regular ferry service and MCAT buses augmenting the express service.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to not charge the employees to incentivize them to ride the service. We’ll get there and we might be able to find a sponsor,” he said.
For tickets, schedules and other information, please visit the Gulf Island Ferry website.
LONGBOAT KEY – Gulf Islands Ferry service may one day be expanded to the north end of Longboat Key, but that isn’t expected to happen in the immediate future.
Future ferry service was one of the topics discussed during the joint meeting that Manatee County and Longboat Key officials participated in on April 30 at the county administration building in downtown Bradenton.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the county and the Town of Longboat Key have and will continue to discuss if, when and how the county’s Gulf Islands Ferry service might one day be expanded to Longboat Key.
Town Manager Howard Tipton said there have been preliminary discussions about using the town dock near the Mar Vista restaurant, which is also within walking distance of the Shore restaurant. Tipton plans to survey potentially impacted Longboat Key residents to gauge how they feel about a ferry stop there.
The canal behind the Whitney Plaza in Longboat Key is probably too shallow to accommodate the ferries. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Falcione said the canal behind the Whitney Plaza along Gulf of Mexico Drive at the north end of the key is too shallow to accommodate the ferries and he doesn’t envision the ferries traveling to the residential and resort areas further south.
“We’re talking. We’re not there yet,” Falcione said, noting that county resort tax revenues would fund any dock improvements needed in Longboat Key.
FERRY INSIGHTS
Falcione also shared some general insights on the county-contracted ferry service that began in January and currently features stops at the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier.
Initially operating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the service was later expanded to include Thursday and Wednesday service. Falcione said the five-day service will continue through the month of May. Service days may be reduced during the summer months.
Falcione said county staff is working on extending ferry service to the Coquina South boat ramp by the end of the year to accommodate Manatee County residents who want to travel to Coquina Beach.
The county hopes to have a ferry stop at the South Coquina boat ramp in Bradenton Beach by year’s end. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Falcione said the two 49-passenger pontoon boat ferries transport 300-350 passengers per day, weather permitting, reducing the number of automobiles traveling to the Island.
“Since we started, we’ve served about 9,000 passengers. The challenge that we face is we’ve lost 25 days due to the weather,” Falcione said.
Falcione said the county and the contracted ferry operator are researching the construction of a high speed, partially-enclosed 90-passenger ferry that would help minimize the service days suspended due to rain, wind, waves and other factors.
The larger, faster ferry would travel the Manatee River between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and the two pontoon boats would then service Anna Maria Island – and potentially Longboat Key. Falcione preliminary discussions have occurred with the city of Bradenton Beach about docking the pontoon boats there overnight in that future scenario.
The Bradenton Beach Pier currently serves as one of Anna Maria Island’s two ferry stops. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Falcione said it would take about a year to build the larger ferry and grants are being sought to help fund it.
Falcione also expects the ferry service to eventually be expanded to the convention center in Palmetto and the new 252-room Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa next to the convention center.
Falcione acknowledged the ferries are not yet a primary source of transportation for the Anna Maria Island workforce that commutes from the mainland – due in part to the uncertainty posed by suspended service days. He said a partially enclosed high-speed ferry might help.
“The St. Regis is going to employ a lot of folks,” County Commissioner Mike Rahm said of the new resort opening in Longboat Key at the former Colony Beach Resort location later this year.
Longboat Key Commissioner Debra Williams said Longboat Key businesses struggle to attract and retain employees because of the transportation challenges and lengthy travel times. She said workforce transportation should be the top priority and ferrying folks to restaurants should be a secondary goal.
MANATEE COUNTY – The Gulf Islands Ferry service will expand service to five days a week beginning Wednesday, March 20.
Featuring stops at the City Pier in Anna Maria, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton, the ferry service will now run Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.
In a press release issued by Manatee County, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Elliott Falcione said, “Adding Wednesdays helps further our goal of taking cars off the road and getting people into the restaurants and shops in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island by utilizing our incredible water asset, the Manatee River.”
According to the press release, the ferry service that launched in mid-January has averaged 360 riders per day, which in turn reduces the number of cars traveling to and from the Island.
“The ferry is a great alternative to sitting in traffic,” Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said in the press release. “This form of multi-modal transportation not only can get you to the Island, but also alleviates the need to find a parking space.”
Passengers can now track the location of the two catamarans using the Manatee My Stop App that allows ferry riders to see where the ferry is, while also tracking Manatee County Area Transit services that include the county buses and the free Anna Maria Island trolley.
For up-to-date information on service times, tickets and scheduling, call 941-357-2587, text 727-200-6487 or visit gulfislandsferry.com.
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.
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 – 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.
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.
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners have passed a request from Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby to approve funding for the removal of derelict boats at the city pier following Hurricane Idalia.
A proposed motion was read by Mayor John Chappie at the Sept. 21 commission meeting to approve an invoice from SeaTow Sarasota Inc. for $10,397 for the removal of derelict vessels using city pier funds to come from West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant money.
The motion was made by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and seconded by Commissioner Ralph Cole.
It was passed unanimously by Vosburgh, Cole and Chappie. Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Jake Spooner were absent with excuse from the meeting.
“I want to thank you for getting on top of this and getting those boats out of there,” Chappie said. “Thank you to our public works department for all the work they’ve done with the whole mess with the storm.”
WCIND provides financial assistance related to navigability, recreational boater access, boater safety and the marine environment. It is a multi-county special taxing body covering Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.
In other business at the meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry gave an update on city pier preparations for the water taxi.
“Duncan (Duncan Seawall) has been out there every day working on it… They were very close to finishing when I talked to the Duncan crew the other day,” she said. “I also got the quotes in from Duncan to do the expanded pier planking that would wrap around to the dinghy dock and put in the waiting area for the water taxi down at the cistern area.”
Perry reported that the city has obtained approval from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to remove the cistern adjacent to the city pier.
Chappie had presented a proposal at the Aug. 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting to discuss having an elevated small park created at the end of the Bradenton Beach pier in the spot where the fenced, unused cistern is located.
“The cistern project area is the center point of what we’ve been doing for the last several years – this 1,800-foot-long walkway,” Chappie said in August. “We have the city pier that has been totally rebuilt with 630 linear feet, we’ve added the 36 feet of floating docks, we’ve added the finger docks which expanded our docking facilities for up to 21 boats.”
“The mayor has been working on getting that set up and taken care of, which I think is going to be happening within the next few weeks,” Perry said at the Sept. 21 meeting.
Perry said the next step is to get the project funding in place.
“This was a project that was budgeted to be funded by the CRA,” she said. “But in the hopes the TDC (Tourist Development Council) funds would be used for this particular area, I’m pleased to tell you Mayor Chappie and I have been working very diligently with the TDC for the water taxi that is coming in.”
She said the CRA approved up to $15,000 for a ramping system or connection to get into the water taxi. She said it’s still being worked on.
“We have an interim potential solution,” Perry said. “It will be in combination with using the floating dock with a leased-out handicap-accessible piece of equipment while potentially making it full-time coming off the dinghy dock… It looks like we’re going to have that particular issue resolved.”
The lease amount is $1,000 a month for the handicap lift, which will be temporary, Perry said.
