Anna Maria Officials Review Scaled-Down Ferry Landing Proposal Near Rebuilt City Pier
Plans for a future ferry landing in Anna Maria are beginning to take shape as city and county officials work toward a design compatible with the rebuilt City Pier.
During an Oct. 9 city commission meeting, Mayor Mark Short discussed recent talks with Manatee County staff regarding the proposed waterfront structure, which would serve as a new stop for the county’s Gulf Islands Ferry Service. The Anna Maria City Pier had previously hosted the service until Hurricane Milton destroyed its walkway last October. The pier reconstruction is expected to be complete by next fall.
While the county is designing a landing to accommodate its two operating pontoon boats and a larger third vessel, early plans raised concerns among city leaders about the size and placement of the landing. The county’s initial proposal called for a three-part dock extending 350 feet alongside the new pier walkway.
Following discussions with the city, the county agreed to eliminate the extended gangway portion of the plan, reducing the overall dock length by more than half. Short said the revised plan would allow additional space between the pier walkway and the new landing, ensuring the structures do not interfere with one another.
The proposed landing will be built as a separate structure that attaches to the pier walkway, consistent with permitting rules that require the pier to maintain its original footprint. The plan also includes a wave attenuator designed to protect the dock from rough water, with design options ranging from floating to fixed models made from various materials.
City commissioners emphasized the importance of durability and usability. Commissioner Charlie Salem said he hopes the dock will remain open for public access when not in use for ferry operations. At the same time, Commissioner Gary McMullen raised concerns about potential storm damage to a floating structure, citing repeated repairs to a similar dock at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
Short said the county remains open to collaboration on materials, layout, and attachment methods, noting that final approval will rest with the city commission once the full design is complete.
