BRADENTON, Fla. — Four months after it opened, the Manatee County Gulf Islands Ferry could be expanding again for many looking for an easier way to get to Anna Maria Island.
The ferry stops in downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Since the service began in January, it has cut away time spent in traffic or looking for parking.
The service which both tourists and residents frequently use started initially on a three-day weekend schedule. Since then, Manatee County officials have added additional weekdays to the ferry service schedule. However, they still see a need to add an extra ferry to the two in the current fleet to take on the growing number of passengers.
"Unbelievable they have this, it's long overdue," said Pat Dennis of Ellenton.
"I'm thinking why don't they have four boats out," said Liz England of Bradenton.
Manatee County Officials report that the Gulf Islands Ferry service takes about 375 passengers daily from the Bradenton Riverwalk Dock to Anna Maria Island. The initiative which is a journey of just under 45 minutes has taken approximately 175 cars per day off already congested roads according to county officials.
"It's no stress. We're watching the dolphins flying around out there. All through the trip going and coming, that's all we watched were the dolphins is awesome," Dennis said.
"We saw 100 stingrays in the water. It was amazing and then you can go onto Bridge Street. If you want to do all the bars, no parking, it's just amazing and the price is right," England said.
A plan is now underway for a larger third ferry to enhance the experience and make room for more people, especially on poor weather days when the pontoon catamarans are unable to operate.
"Approximately 90 seats, all indoor, would be a little bit faster and that's going to be a cost of around $2.5 to $2.8 million. Once we say go it'll take a good year to build it," said Elliott Falcione, Tourism Director, Manatee County.
If approved by Manatee County commissioners, the new express-style ferry will only run from downtown Bradenton and back.
The current 50-seat ferries will redeploy as hoppers and fan out up and down the island including to Long Boat Key.
"When you go on that ferry from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, it showcases the beauty of our community. It's real authentic Florida so we're not creating awareness as a water taxi, we're saying this is an experience," Falcione said.
"I'm bringing a whole group next month so we're looking forward to it," said Dennis.
"I can't say anything bad about it I can't and the staff is amazing too. They make you feel good. They show you all the rules and regulations and the safety jacket. Everything is perfect," England said.
The tourism director is hoping to present his proposal to the commissioners in May.
If you are looking to hop on the ferry, it runs five days a week starting Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., except during severe weather.