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Manatee County’s Proposal for a New Pier in Anna Maria
Manatee County has proposed the construction of a new pier for Anna Maria, positioned between the existing city pier and the Lake La Vista inlet to the north. This new pier aims to accommodate a larger ferry service than the current city pier allows. Islander Photo: Courtesy Anna Maria
By Ryan Paice and Lisa Neff
Islander Staff
The Gulf Islands Ferry service in Manatee County is set to expand with a third, larger vessel debuting this summer. To support this expansion, infrastructure changes, including a new pier for Anna Maria, are being considered.
On February 24, the county tourist development council approved a recommendation for county commissioners to allocate $570,000 from tourist tax revenues to facilitate this expansion.
Currently, the service comprises two open-air 49-passenger catamarans operating between downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, running Thursday to Sunday.
Last summer, county commissioners approved a budget of $3 million for the construction of a new 91-passenger vessel, designed with 67 enclosed seats for protection against adverse weather conditions. Elliott Falcione, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, indicated the hope to have the new ferry operational by this summer.
The allocated $570,000 will aid in funding the ferry’s operations and required accommodations, including:
- $350,000 for operating and insuring the third ferry;
- $120,000 for the ferry’s overnight docking in downtown Bradenton;
- Up to $100,000 to collaborate with Bradenton Beach in enhancing the pier’s docking facilities.
Falcione emphasized the necessity for additional docking points, commenting, “We’re trying to bring the ferry down to Coquina Beach sooner than later. We’re also working on establishing a stop at the Palmetto Estuary.”
In collaboration with Holmes Beach officials, there are plans for a stop in Holmes Beach, potentially at the Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue. Efforts are also underway to reintroduce ferry service to Anna Maria, where the city pier had been one of the original ferry stops until Hurricane Milton damaged its walkway last October.
After the hurricane, temporary barges were used for docking but were removed in January, prompting the city to focus on rebuilding the city pier. To accommodate the larger ferry, the county has proposed constructing a new pier that would extend roughly half the length of the 800-foot city pier, utilizing the same parking area.
This new pier would feature a double gangway dock and a wave attenuator to stabilize the waters around the landing area. Additionally, the plan includes extending the northern jetty of the Lake La Vista inlet.
During a discussion on February 27, Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short highlighted the proposal as the first option presented by county staff for ferry landing. He confirmed that the city intends to hold a forum to discuss the proposal with residents.
The city commission will convene next at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, at city hall, located at 10005 Gulf Drive.
Key Information
- New Pier Proposal: To be located between the existing city pier and Lake La Vista inlet.
- Ferry Expansion: Addition of a third, larger vessel to the Gulf Islands Ferry service this summer.
- Funding: $570,000 recommended for allocation from tourist tax revenues.
- Current Service: Two 49-passenger catamarans operating from Thursday to Sunday.
- New Vessel Capacity: 91 passengers with 67 enclosed seats planned.
- Next City Commission Meeting: Scheduled for March 13 at 10 a.m. in city hall.
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Article original publish date: 2025-03-04 08:00:00
Article source: www.islander.org
Read the full story at the original source: www.islander.org