MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — There is now an easier way for residents and tourists in Manatee County to get to and from Anna Maria Island via our local waterways.
Starting Dec. 8, the new ferry transport option will begin to carry passengers from Bradenton's Twin Dolphin Marina near the Riverwalk to the Anna Maria Pier, every hour.
Local leaders marked a milestone Monday with the maiden voyage of the Gulf Islands Ferry service.
The ferry service is operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi, which operates Clearwater Ferry.
In the 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 will be able to transport 49 passengers at a time with two crew members aboard.
The event to kick off the inaugural voyage started with the blessing of the fleet. Local elected and business leaders as well as members of the media were among the first passengers on the new Gulf Islands Ferry service preview ahead of the full operation start date. The ride took about 40 minutes but added stops on the island would take around 25 minutes.
"On my time off and everything, I can jump on the ferry and easily get downtown or to other parts of the island without worrying about traffic jams and backups and all of that," said Brian Seymour, a local business owner.
Seymour, who owns a retail shop on Pine Avenue and a lease to operate at the Anna Maria Pier, said the start of the ferry operations is not only good for the area's businesses but would help people get around the frequent traffic gridlock.
"Most of my employees are living in town now and it's about, with traffic, an hour each way to commute," he said. "It's a challenge to attract employees out here so I look at the ferry as another opportunity to maybe help to increase employment opportunities out here for people in town."
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.
"This is like a dream come true," said Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. "This more or less focuses on service workers coming back and forth from the city of Bradenton or Palmetto out to Anna Maria, or even the unincorporated portions of Lakewood Ranch."
"They're working on probably a little bit faster of a boat to the island," Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said.
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.
"The great thing about the city pier stop is the Mote Marine Education Center is right there, and then walking off the pier, you'll be able to enjoy the boutique shops and the restaurants at Pine Avenue," said Elliott Falcione, executive director of BACVB. "When the ferry starts, it'll also go down to Bridge Street Pier and it will dock where the Anna Maria Oyster Bar is and you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits of Bridge Street Pier, including the public beach right there."
The ferry service will first begin to run hourly from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday, pending a future schedule review.
"We just have to first see how it goes and that's why I am thankful they are just starting it on weekends for now and they can extend it as they see fit to make it more beneficial for all of us," Seymour said.
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.