Council modifies Riverwalk day-dock rule to allow overnight mooring for transit vessels

Bradenton — The City Council voted unanimously May 28 to adopt Ordinance 4060, amending the municipal code to permit overnight mooring at the Riverwalk Park day dock when the mooring is the subject of an intergovernmental agreement with another government entity operating a transit service.

City staff said the amendment responds to a county request so Manatee County’s water‑taxi program can operate a larger, faster vessel that will reduce travel times to nearby islands. Mr. Perry (city staff) told council the original day‑dock ordinance had prohibited overnight mooring; county and tourism development partners asked the city to allow overnight placement of a county transit vessel under a formal intergovernmental agreement.

Council members asked about unintended commercial uses and derelict boats. Councilwoman Coker asked staff to confirm the amendment applies only to the public day dock at Riverwalk Park; staff said it does, and staff also noted prior funding and permit agreements tied to the day dock limited commercial use and required public access. Council agreed additional signage and improved wayfinding would be part of future Riverwalk enhancements being planned by the county and tourism partners.

The ordinance includes language limiting overnight mooring to government transit services and to vessels authorized by an intergovernmental agreement; it does not open the Riverwalk dock for general commercial mooring or unrestricted private overnight moorage. The vote to adopt the change was 5-0.