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Commission receives hurricane recovery update

Commission receives hurricane recovery update

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Mark Short and General Manager Dean Jones recently provided city commissioners with a hurricane recovery update.

Given during the Dec. 12 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, the update addressed damage assessments, the hurricane-damaged City Pier, a beach replanting project and more.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

Short noted the FEMA field team completed their site assessments a few weeks ago and this week the city will be sending letters to all Anna Maria property owners who appeared to have suffered at least some hurricane damage.

The letters will include information about the hurricane repair permitting process. Short said the city will then use the submitted repair-related permit applications to help determine whether a specific structure has been substantially damaged to the point that it warrants potential condemnation by the city.

Commission receives hurricane recovery update
This beachfront home at the end of Spring Avenue was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“We have the FEMA evaluations but we are going to rely on the property owner and the permitting process. We are not going to just go out and make our own decisions on whether or not a property has been substantially damaged. While this is going on, we’re also inputting the FEMA information. We’re using that as a data point,” Short said.

“At this point, we have yet to come across a property that has been deemed totally damaged or substantially damaged to the point that it needs to be condemned. We have not condemned a single property and we have not had a property yet that’s hit that 50% threshold, based on the formula provided to us,” he said.

PIER INSPECTIONS

Short noted the city recently contracted the George F. Young engineering firm to conduct above-water and underwater structural inspections and underwater geo-technical inspections of the City Pier walkway that was heavily damaged and partially eliminated by Hurricane Milton.

The engineering firm is submitting the needed permit applications to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will design and engineer the pier repairs to be carried out by a yet-to-be-selected contractor.

Commission receives hurricane recovery update
Hurricane Milton wiped out a significant portion of the City Pier walkway. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Short said the Army Corps permits have been submitted and the structural inspections were scheduled to begin on Dec. 13, weather permitting. He said the pier debris piled in the pier parking lot by the humpback bridge will also be inspected in attempt to determine what caused the pier walkway to fail during the hurricane. The inspection process is expected to take about two weeks and will coincide with the geo-technical inspection of the submerged lands the pier pilings are driven into.

Commission receives hurricane recovery update
The extended temporary ferry landing is expected to open on Dec. 19. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Short said a second 30-foot spud barge has been added to the previously installed and temporary Gulf Islands Ferry landing located between the damaged pier and the Lake La Vista jetty. The additional barge extends the ferry landing into deeper water and ferry service to Anna Maria is expected to resume on Thursday, Dec. 19, weather permitting.

BEACH REPLANTING

Short also provided an update on the Stimart family’s “Build Back the Beach” beach replanting project. Short said he received an email from Cindy Stimart stating that all potentially impacted property owners in the project area from Sycamore Avenue to Bean Point have received certified letters and most of those property owners will allow the free beachfront plantings to take place on their property in late January. Short said more information on this project (including volunteer registration and financial donations) can be found at the Good Guardians Collective website.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

Jones said the city has completed its hurricane debris collection efforts but there are still some debris piles visible throughout the city. He said the city’s code enforcement department is contacting those property owners, who are now responsible for the debris removal. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Gary McMullen, Jones said the city rights of way where debris was placed are being restored.

Jones said hurricane debris has also been removed from three drainage swales and those debris piles would soon be removed. He also said FEMA is accessing the city’s stormwater infiltration system to determine what additional steps might be taken to improve the performance of the city’s stormwater and drainage systems during heavy rains.

Jones said hurricane-related road repairs will begin on Jan. 4 for the city streets that sustained erosion and significant deterioration during the hurricanes.

He said six or seven parking spaces will be created in the City Pier parking lot for those using the temporary post office across the street in City Pier Park.

He said most of the beach access points have been restored but work continues on a couple of beach access points along North Shore Drive.

Jones said the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has surveyed residential canals in search of debris and derelict vessels and one derelict vessel has already been tagged for removal.

City Pier engineering services approved

City Pier engineering services approved

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have approved a $347,660 contract for the engineering and other preliminary services needed to repair the hurri­cane-damaged City Pier.

On Nov. 19, the commission unanimously approved the contract with the St. Petersburg-based George F. Young engineering firm that will inspect what remains of the pier and provide the city with the engineering, permitting and project management services as part of the pier repair project.

The city has not yet sought proposals from construction firms interested in replacing the missing pier walkway according to the engineering work to be performed by the Young firm.

In early October, Hurricane Milton obliterated a significant portion of the pier walkway, leaving a 75- to 100-yard gap between the T-end pier buildings and the remaining portion of the pier walkway that connects to the shoreline. The pier and the pier-based City Pier Grill and Mote Marine Sci­ence Education & Outreach Center will remain closed until the pier walkway is replaced.

City Pier engineering services approved
There is currently no walkway access to the T-end of the City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

In late October, the mayor and commission discussed the initial $321,922 proposal submitted by George F. Young Structural Engineer­ing Vice-President Jeremy Lunsford. The firm previously engineered the still-pending Reimagining Pine Avenue project.

Former Mayor Dan Murphy recently informed the commission that some additional services were needed and that would increase the proposal price. Due to a health issue, Murphy did not attend the Nov. 19 commission meeting.

When addressing the commission on Nov. 19, Lunsford said the proposal includes inspections of the remaining portions of the pier, both above and below the waterline. It is hoped that those inspections provide insight into what specifically happened to the pier walkway.

“The remains of the pier will also be inspected to ensure it’s safe,” Lunsford said.

City Pier engineering services approved
The remaining portion of the City Pier walkway will be inspected for safety and structural purposes. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

He noted the engineering team is already reviewing the engineering documents used to construct the cur­rent City Pier, completed in 2020. The previous wooden pier was closed in 2017 and later replaced due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma. That pier replacement project cost $7.3 million.

Lunsford said studying the current pier design might help identify what more can be done to prevent similar damage during future storms and the engineering firm will explore different design ideas to see if the pier can be made more resilient to storm damage.

“It’s the nature of where we live,” he added in acknowledgement of the risk of placing a pier in a hurricane-prone environment.

During previous discussions, Murphy noted the T-end of the pier was built using concrete decking and concrete and steel support components. And for budgetary reasons, less-expensive wooden support components were used on the pier walkway. Murphy recommended using concrete and steel support components for the new pier walkway if financially feasible and he estimated the repair costs might be in the $3 million range.

Lunsford did not estimate how long the initial engineering and permitting work would take, but he said the hope is to get the pier operational again as soon as possible. No one associated with the city has publicly estimated how long it might take to complete the pier repair project.

Lunsford said the engineering team has already engaged in preliminary discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Depart­ment of Environmental Protection regarding the accelerated emergency permitting process.

“It’s been a positive conversation with those agencies so far,” he said.

City Pier engineering services approved
A second spud barge will be connected to the rear of the first spud barge previously placed near the damaged City Pier. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The City Pier also served as a landing area for Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service. A temporary spud barge was recently positioned between the City Pier and the Lake La Vista inlet to serve as a temporary ferry landing. Before ferry service resumed in Anna Maria, it was determined that a second barge is needed to extend the temporary ferry landing out into deeper water. The second spud barge is expected to arrive and become operational in early December.

Related coverage: City Pier badly damaged, temporary ferry landing installed

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

 

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 service resumes in Bradenton Beach
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.

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach
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.

Ferry service resumes in Bradenton Beach
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.

TDC supports Holmes Beach path funding

TDC supports Holmes Beach path funding

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

Superintendent of Public Works Sage Kamiya was back in front of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) at its June 10 meeting. He was there to answer questions and concerns previously brought up by TDC members after his initial presentation requesting tourist tax funding for a city-long multimodal path at an Aug. 21, 2023 meeting.

Kamiya noted that there is a path for walkers and bicyclists that runs along a portion of Marina Drive, but it needs improvement. The proposed new path would begin around the 2800 block of Gulf Drive and continue almost the entire length of the city to where Gulf Drive and Marina Drive merge in the 8000 block. The proposal calls for the path to be separated from the road by a grassy buffer area to keep people using the path separated from the road, improving safety.

At their last presentation to the TDC, city officials estimated the budget for the entire project was $2,436,727 with half of the money going to the Gulf Drive path improvements ($1,293,238) and the remainder designated for Marina Drive path improvements, engineering design, flashing crosswalks and educational signage. Kamiya told the TDC that the path improvement plan would be implemented in phases, with the first phase focusing on the city center area on both Gulf Drive and Marina Drive. The phase 1 estimate is $1,133,401, with $399,460 coming from the city of Holmes Beach and the remaining $733,948 being requested from the TDC.

Rather than approve or deny the funding at the Aug. 21 meeting, the TDC unanimously chose to have the matter brought to a future meeting in hopes of getting answers to questions multiple board members had, such as whether or not the path would eliminate public parking spots, which side of the street the path would be built on and a more specific timeline, among other concerns and questions. The TDC discussed the request at both the Oct. 16, 2023 and Dec. 4, 2023 meetings, but still had questions.

According to Kamiya, because of the delay, Holmes Beach decided to use funds set aside for phase one of the project for other city projects, so the numbers have changed since it was last discussed. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has recently started the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Barrier Islands Complete Streets Improvements Study. This study includes the evaluation of multimodal alternatives for State Road 789, County Road 789, Marina Drive and Palm Drive in Holmes Beach.

Kamiya told the TDC that his hope is the PD&E study will provide funding that will take some of the financial weight off the amount the city is requesting from the county’s tourist tax dollars.

“We did get an FDOT letter to support the project,” Kamiya said. “This makes sense from their perspective because they do want to improve safety. There’s been several fatalities along the roadway, so that’s been our push for this.”

Kamiya went on to ask the council if they would back a portion of the proposal that would not be funded by the PD&E study. He said that amount would be around $500,000. Kamiya also noted that the study doesn’t initially carry construction money with it. The funds would be for design and planning, and when it is time for construction, funding through the study as well as the county would have to be discussed further.

TDC member and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown had concerns about this project at each of the previous two meetings in which this was discussed and was the first to speak up with more questions this time around.

“I’ve been one that’s said all along that it’s important to do the whole Island if we’re going to do anything,” Brown said. “I do have a question; you’ve asked Rep. Buchanan for $2.24 million dollars for a multimodal path along Gulf Drive and Marina Drive. What is that money to be slated for?”

Kamiya responded saying the actual amount requested was $2.9 million and, because the PD&E study does not include construction money, those funds requested would be used for just the multimodal path along Gulf Drive. He added that the $2.9 million would only pay for part of the project and further funds would have to be found to complete the entire project. Kamiya also made it clear that the study funds would only be for the Gulf Drive portion of the project, not Marina Drive or any remaining portions.

Mayor Brown countered, saying he still did not support the request because too many questions remained and he thought the proposal was confusing and incomplete without solid details. Brown also said he was not pleased that Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth was not in attendance for what he saw as a very important meeting. He believed it was not in the best interest of the city to request such a large sum of money without a mayor or vice-mayor in attendance.

Minutes before the TDC took a vote on the request, the discussion took a turn toward the Gulf Island Ferry having a docking place in Holmes Beach. TDC members discussed whether an existing docking location could be improved to support the ferry or the possibility of a new dock being built somewhere in the city. With the stipulation that the possibility of the ferry landing in Holmes Beach be added to the request, the TDC voted unanimously to send the recommendation for $500,000 to Manatee County commissioners.

TDC recommends $75,000 for ferry marketing

TDC recommends $75,000 for ferry marketing

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – During the Manatee County Tourist Development Council’s (TDC) June 10 meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island, TDC members supported more marketing efforts for the Gulf Island Ferry.

The service runs from downtown Bradenton to the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier. TDC member and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione gave the TDC an update on how the ferry service is progressing.

“It’s been exciting. I think our communications manager rode out to the Island yesterday and the ferry was full,” Falcione said. “We’re doing really well with the water ferry running Wednesday through Sunday, and we’ll continue that through the month of June. The goal is to run it 12 months a year. We’ll see how that goes.”

Falcione said that Research Data Services, which provides the TDC with tourism data and statistics, said that a Memorial Day survey of beachgoers showed 60% were aware of the ferry. He said they are still learning month-by-month through surveys. He told his staff that they should be in the public’s face in the region with tourists, then requested an additional $75,000 from tourist tax funds for marketing the water ferry. Falcione said some of that money would be for a local survey and a brand awareness campaign that would give the ferry a push through the end of summer into fall.

“My wife and I live at the end of the dock in Bradenton, and we sit and look out the window and wait for the water ferry to come back,” Bradenton Mayor and TDC member Gene Brown said. “It is unbelievable to us because it’s a 49-seat boat, and we see 49 people get off and 49 people get on.”

The motion to approve the recommendation for the $75,000 was passed unanimously and will be forwarded to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for final approval.

Gulf Islands Ferries now running five days a week

Gulf Islands Ferries now running five days a week

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Tourism.

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.

Ferry service now includes Thursdays

Ferry service now includes Thursdays

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News, Featured.

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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.”

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.”

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.

Gulf Islands Ferries arrive in Bradenton Beach
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.

Tourist tax subsidizes Gulf Islands Ferry service

Tourist tax subsidizes Gulf Islands Ferry service

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Business, Featured, Tourism.

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.

Tourist tax subsidizes Gulf Islands Ferry service
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.

Tourist tax subsidizes Gulf Islands Ferry service
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.

Tourist tax subsidizes Gulf Islands Ferry service
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.

Tourist tax subsidizes Gulf Islands Ferry service
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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Featured.

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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
The wind and waves made docking nose-first difficult. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
Miss 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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
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.

Gulf Islands Ferry service begins
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.