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Board hears plans to expand water-ferry service and multimodal paths; TDC and state funding cited
Summary
Officials updated the board on growth of the water-ferry system, plans for additional landings and a proposed multimodal path program; TDC recommended up to $2M for pier work while state and federal funding pathways (PD&E, Sun Trail, MPO) were identified for larger construction.
Tourism and transportation staff updated county and municipal officials on efforts to expand multimodal connections and water-ferry service to Anna Maria Island. Officials said the county's water-ferry system has carried roughly 27,000 passengers year-to-date and removed thousands of vehicle trips from island roads. The Tourism Development Council recommended up to $2 million to start pier reconstruction; state support (about $1.2 million reported) and FEMA reimbursement are additional but partial sources.
Tourism staff emphasized the ferry remains subsidized, but that subsidies are not drawn from property taxes: "We're not using ad valorem tax to subsidize the water ferry," a county official said, noting tourism taxes and beach concession revenues currently support operations. Projected costs for a full pier replacement at Anna Maria are estimated at $8—$10 million.
Holmes Beach also presented multimodal planning materials that identify gaps in sidewalks and bike/pedestrian infrastructure and proposed a phased multiuse-path project (Marina Drive, 65th and Gulf Drive). The city cited a previous estimate in the mid-six-figure range (about $700,000 at an earlier stage, with local match proposed) and asked the county to consider TDC and state/federal funding mechanisms (PD&E and Sun Trail designations) to move projects toward construction.
County staff said FDOT-funded PD&E work can be a useful first step but does not automatically fund construction; MPO, state and federal grant avenues remain necessary for building projects. Commissioners suggested county assistance in MPO and legislative outreach and recommended a coordinated island-wide strategy to connect local trail segments.
Next steps: staff will pursue grant and MPO avenues, return with funding options and continue coordination among the three island cities on an integrated trail network and ferry landings.
