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County plans third, heavier water ferry and multimodal links to reduce island traffic
Summary
Officials outlined plans for a new heavier ferry, additional ferry stops and multimodal connections, and said they expect the service to shift operational oversight to MCAT this fall.
Manatee County and Bradenton Beach officials gave a progress update on the county’s water‑ferry service, a multimodal trail concept and plans for an expanded Cortez marina stop.
Elliot, the county’s tourism director, said a third ferry with enclosed climate control and a heavier 100,000‑pound hull (compared with 30,000‑pound pontoons now in service) is expected to enter sea trials late this summer and, after Coast Guard certification, begin fall service. “It should be in the water late summer, go through some sea trials, make sure the Coast Guard certifies it, and get rolling in the fall,” Elliot said.
Nut graf: County leadership said the ferry helps reduce vehicle trips and supports local tourism; staff are coordinating landing sites, overnighting locations and last‑mile solutions to make the service usable for residents as well as visitors.
Elliot said the system has carried about 28,000 riders since Jan. 14, which he estimated removed roughly 13,000 cars from the road. He described plans for a Cortez Marina stop (the former Seafood Shack property), potential overnighting at downtown Bradenton, and a proposed new landing at Coquina Beach to attract more resident riders.
City staff and county project managers discussed multimodal tie‑ins: pedestrian and bike connections under the new Cortez bridge, a proposed walkway and trolley/shuttle to solve the “last mile” from ferry landings to beaches, and the potential for golf‑cart rental or shuttle services on the mainland to move people to ferry stops. Commissioner Sadiq said the Cortez Marina idea is early and will move toward a community master plan and public input.
Elliot said day‑to‑day oversight of the ferry will transition to Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) under Kevin Hoyt on Oct. 1; the tourism bureau will continue marketing and support. He also said the convention center renovation funded by tourism tax will generate additional visitors who could use the ferry.
Ending: Officials said they will continue engineering and permitting work on docks and piers, coordinate with municipal partners on landing sites and pursue grants and private partnerships to fund infrastructure and last‑mile options.
