Manatee County completes purchase of former Seafood Shack Marina property; staff to begin programming and public outreach

Manatee County announced Jan. 8 that it closed on the purchase of the former Seafood Shack Marina property on New Year’s Eve and now owns the site.

"The county now owns the land. On New Year's Eve, we officially closed on the real estate transaction," said Charles Meador, Property Acquisition Division manager, during the board meeting.

Deputy County Administrator Bridal Parnell said staff will move from acquisition to programming and design. “The primary requirement for the purchase is for public boat ramps,” he said, adding the county will hold workshops and public outreach to shape the property’s design and uses.

Commissioners asked staff to consider a range of design options. Commissioner Siddiq emphasized the need to plan for public access and future amenities and asked staff to evaluate ferry connections to Bridge Street to reduce vehicular traffic. “We do want the boat ramp,” he said, while urging the staff to prepare a business case for any marina-like operations and to consider impacts on nearby businesses.

Staff told the board the property suffered storm damage and that many structures and docks are currently unsafe; initial work will focus on site security, debris and vessel removal, and coordination with law enforcement for interim uses. The county will develop a phased design and will return to the board with recommended scope, including possible public workshops.

Why it matters: The property provides the county an opportunity to add public boat ramp capacity and to shape waterfront access in a historic fishing village. Commissioners said they want public input on parking, access, potential amenities, and how the county should approach leases or operators currently associated with the site.