[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6267431,"mediaKeyId","3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3","parentId",3070066,"title","Ferry logs 42,612 riders; larger vessel due in July as county advances new landing permits","audioSeconds",1442,"startMs",3949000,"endMs",5391000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3&start=3949&end=5391","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3/thumbnail_3949000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6267431/Manatee-County/Florida/Ferry-logs-42612-riders-larger-vessel-due-in-July-as-county-advances-new-landing-permits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267431-35485cc696e63504768a4c1a58cc7cc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776216957&Signature=dYmotmLPywlRA4TTLVaZb2kb8jHXSxSMpyj3FQCfUCDMODP-zEbWWBn1rxmrI1cNWqxoriIWw71H0UCGyRxgQv9AtBey8IPDeCem9HjatnodvFnix2LyYw-Pqn1aque5569XutQEoiP7S4WAkuRVZOcZvrRZDaoerfLGnScRUbjcXkELpam6MxzB9745~jYx2vichE2mBe-t0oFiuBXDXFgorIBj1lt1vS2wbzUmXcTJxI93w7cZsHbJYsLEAphF~eGZ1f8Nw6RMIaEOjZe052y5P018grP0S8za51~m9ahdckM6mIkixMbf0iqpSl7KUiK0Dla3yLvT4W-ArnK0~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Manatee County, FL ","date","2025-04-21T19:02:36.46Z","article","The Manatee County Tourist Development Council heard an operational update on April 21 for the water‑ferry service that links Downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island and other stops.

Tricia (last name not stated), the private operator’s representative, reported 42,612 riders since service began in January and described a regular schedule that currently operates Thursday through Sunday, with Wednesday service added in peak months and additional holiday sailings. She said the operator expects delivery of a larger vessel in July that will expand capacity, increase reliability on windier days and reduce cancellations caused by limitations of the current smaller pontoon catamarans.

Staff and council members discussed goals and constraints for expanding landings. Sherry Swanson and Charlie Hunsicker of Manatee County Natural Resources briefed the board on ongoing site evaluations and permitting needs. County staff said they are surveying the Bradenton day dock and preparing permit applications (permitting expected to be submitted around June for that location) and are pursuing site assessments for Palmetto Estuary Preserve and multiple locations along Anna Maria Island, including alternatives that use the rebuilt City Pier or a nearby site that would require dredging. County staff said dredging strategy and permitting must balance seagrass protection, viewshed impacts and cost; they reported that beneficial‑use options and existing deep dredge holes could lower dredging costs by up to about $1,000,000 depending on the alternative.

County timelines presented by staff show some landing work moving into permitting now; staff estimated an operational date for one of the island landing alternatives around August 2027, subject to permitting and construction schedules. Sherry Swanson said the Bridge Street Pier freight operations and a temporary dinghy dock are already in use and that reconstruction work is planned to start in mid‑May.

Council and staff discussed service goals: the TDC targets roughly 30% resident ridership, and staff said the operator’s booking system captures zip codes for rider analytics. The county is pursuing grants for additional vessels (Michelle Davis and county grant staff are searching funding opportunities) and has applied for a fourth ferry in grant applications. The TDC noted the broader multimodal benefits—reducing cars on Manatee Avenue and relieving parking demand on the barrier island—and discussed coordination with MCAT (Manatee County Area Transit) for alternate transportation during weather or mechanical interruptions.

No formal vote occurred. Staff said they will continue permitting work, pursue funding and return to the council with further operational analytics and landing progress.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Manatee Tourist Development Council - 4-21-25","oneSentenceSummary","The third‑party ferry operator reported 42,612 riders since January, said new, larger vessel delivery is expected in July, and county staff outlined permitting efforts and timelines for new landings including a Bradenton day dock and Anna Maria Island options.","taxTitle","Manatee County, Florida","taxId",12476,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267436,"TDC details international recovery campaigns; UK, Germany and Netherlands top feeder markets",880,2619000,3499000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3&start=2619&end=3499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3/thumbnail_2619000.jpg","/articles/6267436/Manatee-County/Florida/TDC-details-international-recovery-campaigns-UK-Germany-and-Netherlands-top-feeder-markets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267436-5b42bb83ab36595569ef0e4d1ae636a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776216957&Signature=Q4TY7oRqzHvEaKiC17jK25QwmfZ77UOvfVT8pDr6fmHUi7RDYmlYIBZWNxpZhqY4SHjofQmjKTS8Chc5dQtTyPY-fRrcBtXpWSecA307~tMIi3TChrWuowvwp0FoWN-~GccJfwqLV10Q4OXIPlSVjm3Tl-BqT7mR2Ftmpe-BwofymVr0Ix9RnfoYpWJSLGJbEuS5OQP76m-I4VK0SJgzeLQTpT2XrLK32UmQU4cI2a6pbktzFl9dHMgvup8z~Eb3kvh~QoG5jp-nCAxo1DdDd-K3p~aA9stewnL7IEHBcrUFpZ7AYaIxT4XRYgUmau5udZG9d2m04V2ntksc7HzQ7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau on April 21 presented a summary of recent international marketing and post‑hurricane recovery work focused on Britain, Germany and the Netherlands as primary feeder markets.

Kelly Clark, director of global affairs, told the Tourist Development Council that international visitors typically stay longer and spend more than domestic visitors—estimating an annual international economic impact of about $400 million for the Bradenton area in a typical year—and that the U.K., Germany (including Austria and Switzerland) and the Netherlands are the top feeder markets.

Clark reviewed recent outreach undertaken to counter negative post‑storm impressions: staff attended the World Travel Market in November to meet tour operators and control the narrative after the hurricanes, hosted a Visit Florida partner activation in London with immersive “destination” rooms, and organized a January visit by BBC travel correspondent Simon Calder, who produced a feature and article timed to encourage bookings. Clark said those activities were designed to show that the destination was open for bookings for the winter season.

The staff also highlighted targeted paid activity: a German campaign that produced about 20 million impressions and approximately 500 bookings; wrapped branded taxi cabs in London for peak booking season visibility; and placements in Conde Nast Traveler’s German edition. Clark noted that international travelers often book through travel agencies or tour operators—over 80% of those travelers use agents—so the CVB partners with tour operators and receptive organizations to ensure the destination is sellable through package channels.

Council members praised the creative and strategic work and underscored the need to maintain on‑the‑ground representation with tour operators. No formal action was taken; the presentation was an update on ongoing marketing activities.","The Bradenton Area CVB told the Tourist Development Council about post‑hurricane outreach to tour operators and media in the U.K., Germany and the Netherlands and reported paid and earned international campaigns, including a Simon Calder feature and targeted out‑of‑home advertising.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267441,"TDC introduces Downes & St. Germain as new visitor research firm for regional tracking and economic impact study",282,2051000,2333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3&start=2051&end=2333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3/thumbnail_2051000.jpg","/articles/6267441/Manatee-County/Florida/TDC-introduces-Downes-St-Germain-as-new-visitor-research-firm-for-regional-tracking-and-economic-impact-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267441-230ae0f23be4243f967d03540fa940d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776216957&Signature=lvFfCZr2VOq~qX6fTWFauWqHE04kj7e7UmXaRtvQa3OZ90bKEQEl226ehO1294nGulmlD6q11-dnAEpd9-gAqpMs57K-taKchgqKtU6QFxxEjlh~P9lgNnjr~ujPJxU9q6emYBPersKZVDR5pp4L3bsPJ1dweFGitenMI07bhUzp~yyRMGC3vg4kPUzn6AjIBi-bYPFqmOZnjnQelKyT~ur9Shl7g2oLEqHfru-hTaazPuDKimC0snvQFkEmVPO2JXXaEfOy-rJ1DsIov4pGRNUONgXnd5xuYDRxKqs9u~yyAiYg4z26YSWDtBzO8KiMUZ2bqJjho4N4VqFY~IWWkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tourist Development Council on April 21 met Downes & St. Germain Research, the consulting firm that will conduct a visitor‑tracking and economic impact study for Manatee County and other Southwest Florida partners.

Joseph “Joe” St. Germain, president of Downes & St. Germain, said the firm—working with local staff—will run intercept surveys at high‑traffic visitor locations, hire local data collectors and produce reports intended to be usable by the CVB and county staff. He described goals that include documenting tourism’s economic impact and improving visitor targeting and marketing effectiveness.

Elliott Feltownie said the county will receive geographically representative data and that the first reporting from the new vendor should appear at the June TDC meeting. The firm will collect spending and trip‑profile data through in‑market intercept interviews (iPads at visitor sites), and the study will be representative by geography, the presenters said.

St. Germain said methodological consistency is important and that the initial year’s methodology may differ from previous studies, so year‑to‑year comparisons will be handled carefully. Staff emphasized that the research is intended to be actionable and to provide context for visitation figures, average daily rates, occupancy and airline negotiation data.

No formal vote or contract approval was recorded in the public discussion; the presentation served as an introduction and planning update for the research project.","The TDC welcomed Downes & St. Germain Research, which will conduct a 12‑month visitor tracking and economic impact study across southwest Florida for Manatee and neighboring counties; initial fieldwork and intercept interviews were described.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267446,"Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee urges TDC help with outreach to protect Anna Maria Sound",449,929000,1378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3&start=929&end=1378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3/thumbnail_929000.jpg","/articles/6267446/Manatee-County/Florida/Holmes-Beach-Clean-Water-Committee-urges-TDC-help-with-outreach-to-protect-Anna-Maria-Sound","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267446-075c01fa0581fc3d0e8ff5c1fe22ab5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776216957&Signature=G6Q~6yI7S2a2OGf7pCJyJaVv-wdsdmpy-xVC2QMcn5ZtObgT2jv2xBg-7lUsjOoO~~k5AJENY3lwfnBFWn7TA8KQDqoERLRdOOdmMrQmLVZpToEYUvjL8wZQCAHrkWcomW3IPNrxzWj4kv0DDY8bQtX~seMjmrkR3yyKrENdPJ-J~bSJb20~vf9KlU6YGQUV0XeN90fRFZlCy0rfTq0WQYsIzQppeKYTcCW~UK4f-Yr6K~TjMip2Z6sJ1drTQWikg-1LpczTBjMIyB-EkMYGRzhxaLw2Ui7nGBB1tSDxuA5osWO~D-dEPaPsl9PIU~RVfzc4MePtqLyYKmmzRXd7eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee asked the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on April 21 to help amplify local outreach aimed at protecting water quality in Anna Maria Sound and the surrounding bay.

Dr. Jennifer Miller, a long-time water‑technology professional and member of the Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee, told the council the group’s priorities are awareness, prevention and mitigation. She asked the TDC to use its marketing channels—advertising, ferry messaging and visitor outreach—to promote low‑impact practices and local programs such as Florida‑friendly landscaping.

Miller described the committee as a diverse, grassroots group that has engaged residents, government agencies and nonprofit partners including the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH). She highlighted examples such as a school‑children education program led by Judy Titsworth and pointed to Manatee County Extension’s Florida‑friendly landscaping resources as a practical tool for residents to reduce irrigation and fertilizer use.

Council members and staff discussed ways the TDC could incorporate water‑stewardship messages into visitor materials, the ferry program and digital campaigns. Tourism Director Elliott Feltownie endorsed low‑cost awareness tactics—reminders about turtle season behavior, “leave no trace” messaging and working with the ferry to host educational content or marine‑biology student presenters.

Speakers noted recent storm runoff and debris but said the county’s beach‑cleanup efforts and equipment generally performed well. Miller said regional estuary monitoring (Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay estuary programs) shows a generally good condition but that nitrogen and chlorophyll levels could be reduced further over time.

No formal funding request or vote was recorded; the presentation concluded with council members thanking the committee and agreeing to continue coordination on outreach and education.","Dr. Jennifer Miller briefed the Tourist Development Council on resident-led water-quality efforts and asked the TDC to support outreach and education initiatives to reduce nutrient runoff and protect the bay.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267451,"TDC endorses $60,000 recommendation to host Florida Maritime Museum pop-up during Cortez schoolhouse repairs",284,632000,916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3&start=632&end=916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3070066-b70951674be00d2f289b0935822af9f3/thumbnail_632000.jpg","/articles/6267451/Manatee-County/Florida/TDC-endorses-60000-recommendation-to-host-Florida-Maritime-Museum-pop-up-during-Cortez-schoolhouse-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267451-fb350960c7dcb5d33df1095dfa14163e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776216957&Signature=VPnKDYIj-V-S21-Dyp~6ohr-7gGX3ViO4wV7m8mlPLGXShCbY3utUSPm6OSBOd4S5PM3I-qotFZgs33sJE81O9fPh-SpTqtCyyldb3vqBXD6zPP-3FtPzmXM3KBWqdX9XGAL0onW4fXtbACrqHHktpTiSWe6P8TN5C4ZaM1RLtgNDknViNZQCHphuL1Or9A5tcDakOIjrI0IRKmkocj9xV1w2fHa9sNf2cR9u4CqoeGwkRYb-fLflJ77ZjXAGa1MPFs7UiuwBrB1lmkyczX~-nxqs14Ab3iwWfqG4MOsNf62b4unaAyO2H5dd22TwH4vvmGf75fFVuhRE9GWaVM9xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Manatee County Tourist Development Council on April 21 unanimously approved a recommendation to provide $60,000 to support a temporary “museum pop-up” for the Florida Maritime Museum while the museum’s schoolhouse in Cortez is renovated.

The pop-up would relocate artifacts from the damaged Cortez schoolhouse to leased retail space near the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on Cortez Road, staff said, and would be cross-promoted to tourists and residents as a short-term measure while the county and Clerk of the Circuit Court office work on repairs.

Tourism Director Elliott Feltownie told the council that the pop-up is intended to “buy us time” while the county and Clerk of Court renovate the schoolhouse and to keep the museum’s collections accessible instead of leaving them hidden for “well over a year.” Vera Dolan, director of historical resources for the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Courts, said the museum has been closed for more than a year and current estimates project reopening “right around mid‑August of 2027.” Dolan said the museum works with local partners including the Cortez Village Historical Society and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and that a temporary location would help maintain the museum’s role as a visitor touchpoint for the fishing village.

Mayor Jean Brown moved approval of the recommendation; Rahul Patel seconded. The chair called for the vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Elliott Feltownie said the county’s grants writer, Michelle Davis, was already pursuing historic preservation grant opportunities to accelerate renovation work on the schoolhouse.

The recommendation approved by the TDC is advisory: it directs the council to recommend the $60,000 allocation. Any formal county expenditure will follow the county’s budget and approval processes.

The TDC discussion did not include precise terms of a lease for the proposed pop-up space, nor did the presentation include a detailed implementation schedule; staff said those details would be worked out as the project advances.","The Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended $60,000 to support a temporary “museum pop-up” near the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Cortez while the Florida Maritime Museum’s schoolhouse undergoes renovation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ferry logs 42,612 riders; larger vessel due in July as county advances new landing permits

TDC details international recovery campaigns; UK, Germany and Netherlands top feeder markets

TDC introduces Downes & St. Germain as new visitor research firm for regional tracking and economic impact study

Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee urges TDC help with outreach to protect Anna Maria Sound

TDC endorses $60,000 recommendation to host Florida Maritime Museum pop-up during Cortez schoolhouse repairs