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