MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Those highly anticipating a new ferry service connecting mainland Manatee County to Anna Maria Island will have to wait a bit longer for it to become a reality.
The Gulf Islands Ferry was set to launch on Friday, Dec. 8, but has been pushed back to a date that hasn't been announced yet. In a statement on the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) website, developers say the Gulf Islands Ferry service was postponed "as the service undergoes its final approval stages."
The statement goes on to say full refunds will be issued for would-be travelers who bought ferry tickets for dates no longer available. You can find more information here.
Last month, the Gulf Islands Ferry made its first voyage from mainland Bradenton to Anna Maria Island as a test for the service. The ferry is operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi, which operates Clearwater Ferry.
This past summer, the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) unveiled the fleet of two 50-foot catamarans named "Miss Anna Maria" and the "Downtown Duchess." The two boats can transport 49 passengers at a time with two crew members aboard.
Local leaders have been working on creating this option for years primarily to help ease traffic congestion, especially during peak tourism season.
The island is limited to just two entry points by road via Manatee Avenue from the east and Gulf of Mexico Drive from the south. Traffic on both ends is often slow-go, especially in the afternoon.
The ferry service would also expand options and allow for a better experience for both area residents seeking local leisure trips and a growing number of vacationers.
Once the Gulf Islands Ferry is fully operational, the plan is to eventually stop at Coquina South Boat Ramp before further expansion, according to BACVB officials.
The cost of a one-way ticket for children and adults ages 12 and up is $8 while senior citizens will get a discounted price of $6. Tickets for children ages 3-11 will cost $5 and kids under 3 get to ride free of charge.
You can find more information on the Gulf Islands Ferry here.
10 Tampa Bay's Adaure Achumba contributed to this report.