TDC recommends funding for water taxi

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council unanimously recommends a $425,000 subsidy for the water taxi service.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - Among the many agenda items up for discussion at the April 24 Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting, the soon-to-be operational water taxi service was an issue all TDC members were enthusiastic about.

The water taxi service, planned to begin operation in July, will link Anna Maria Island and Bradenton in an effort to alleviate some traffic congestion and parking issues.

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Elliott Falcione told TDC members last week that everything was going well with the construction of the boats, the three cities that will be on the ferry route and all other aspects of the project.

“The boats are coming along very well and should be complete by midto late June and there will be some branding on them as well,” Falcione said. “We are about 90% there on an operation agreement between Manatee County and the water ferry operator. We hope to bring that to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in midto late May.”

Falcione said the three cities that will be on the route will be Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. He said that all three cities have drafted interlocal agreements and the TDC will bring those to the BCC at the same time as the operations agreement.

“If the stars align, and I hope they will, it’s been a long time coming, we’re hoping to start a Friday, Saturday and Sunday service in the month of July,” Falcione said. “Would July Fourth be the perfect scenario, absolutely, and we’re going to try to get there.”

The main focus of the TDC’s discussion was a subsidy to fund the water taxi service for the first year of operation.

Falcione said earlier ideas to subsidize the service included the Coquina Beach Market and beach concessions, but those options were no longer on the table. He said the only option for year one would be to use tourism tax proceeds.

Falcione asked the TDC for a recommendation of $400,000 to carry the service for the first year, as well as $25,000 for marketing efforts. After the first year, he said they would look into grant opportunities and other funding sources so the program could ween off of the tourism tax funding. The $400,000 is to fill the gap between projected first-year total operating costs and first-year income from paid water taxi rider fares, which will be in the $8 to $10 range per rider, depending on whether it is a one-way trip or a hopper pass that would be good for the day. Plans are still in place for Island workers to use the service for free to get to and from work, which could help with parking issues.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown moved to recommend the $425,000 subsidy as discussed, and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant seconded. The motion was passed unanimously and will be presented to the BCC later this month.

Reentry tags available

The city of Bradenton Beach’s new 2023-24 reentry tags are now available free of charge at the city clerk’s office. The tags allow residents, property owners and business owners to return to the city after a hurricane or other emergency event results in the city being evacuated.

Zoning ordinance amendment on Thursday’s agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, May 11 at 2 p.m. After general public comment, the commission will be presented with the first reading and public hearing of an ordinance that would amend chapter 114 of the city’s 23-914 zoning ordinance. The agenda notes that the Planning and Zoning Board voted 2-1 to recommend commission denial of the proposed ordinance. The mayor will present a city investment proposal. The mayor and city clerk will lead a discussion about the use of the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan funds. The mayor and clerk will provide an update on the now-completed legislative session and the opposition efforts that utilized the city-owned homerulefl.com website. Thursday’s meeting can be attended by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Clean water campaign plunges ahead

The Holmes Beach-led Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign is plunging into action. During an April 25 meeting, Mayor Judy Titsworth said the effort had already raised $20,000 in donations from two anonymous donors. She said all donated funds will be collected by the city and used to help fund giveaways for participants, such as T-shirts, Florida-friendly plants, rainwater barrels and other environmentally friendly items. The clean water campaign focuses on bringing attention to how everyone can take small actions that have a big impact on helping to keep area waterways clean and reduce pollution. Participants are not required to be Island residents; the campaign is open to anyone who cares about improving water quality. Pledge to help make the water cleaner and earn a free gift by picking up a checklist at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or at www. islanders4cleanwater.com. Video yourself taking the plunge and jumping into the water or make a donation to the campaign.

Practice safe nighttime bicycling

Holmes Beach commissioners and police have noticed some issues with area cyclists, particularly at night. During an April 25 meeting, Commissioner Pat Morton commented on seeing bicyclists traveling city streets in the opposite direction of traffic with no lights at night while he was on a ride-along with police officers. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that he would speak with local bicycle rental agencies to remind them that bicycles are required to have lights to be ridden at night. Without a light, bicycles need to be parked after sunset, he said, or riders could face a ticket from officers.