BRADENTON, Fla. — Manatee County officials are seeking feedback from residents about plans for the future Cortez boat ramp.
What You Need To Know
- Manatee County leaders propose building a marina where the Seafood Shack once stood, just north of the Cortez Bridge
- The first open house hearing is scheduled for July 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Bradenton
- A public input form regarding the plans can be found here
Manatee County leaders are envisioning the transformation of the property, aiming to establish a vibrant public boat-launch and waterfront destination at waterfront sites previously occupied by the Seafood Shack. This new marina has the potential to increase boat trailer parking spaces by up to 25%.
Local charter captain Kathe Fannon, who has been involved in the community for over two decades, reflects on the changes she’s witnessed. “In Cortez — my grandfather, my dad, me, and my daughter, and now I have my granddaughter,” she shared, underscoring her deep roots in the area.
Fannon expressed mixed feelings about the developments, recalling the demolition of both Annie’s Bait & Tackle and the Seafood Shack: “I don’t know why they tore that down. That is a piece of Old Florida.”
Despite the uncertainties, she supports the idea of a boat ramp, stating, “Yeah, absolutely! You put a boat ramp near us, we’re going to use it.” However, she’s concerned about the broader implications for the character of Cortez. “It’s just going to — it’s going to just change the entire outlook, you know, of Cortez,” she lamented.
In response to the county’s outreach, she is participating in public input through the survey recently released. “They want you to pick what facilities and what activities you would like to see apply to this boat ramp — public events, food trucks, parking,” she explained.
Manatee County officials are committed to gathering residents’ input before moving into the design phase, which could commence as early as next year, with construction anticipated to start in two to three years.
Fannon emphasized the importance of preserving the historic essence of the fishing village, stating, “It’s a part of my life. It’s so attached to my heart.” As the plans progress, she hopes that the county will take care to maintain the “Old Florida” vibe that has defined Cortez for generations.
The first public open house hearing will be on July 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Bradenton. A public input form regarding the plans can be found here.
Article original publish date: 2025-07-15 07:00:00
Article source: baynews9.com
Read the full story at the original source: baynews9.com
