Bradenton Beach Approves Updated Agreement with Manatee County for Pier Repairs and Ferry Enhancements

Bradenton Beach city commissioners have approved a second amendment to an interlocal agreement with Manatee County, advancing ongoing hurricane recovery efforts and planned upgrades at the Bradenton Beach Pier.

The amendment, approved during the commission’s March 19 meeting, expands the scope of work tied to repairs from Hurricane Milton and allocates additional funding for improvements to the city-owned floating dock adjacent to the pier. The dock also serves as a landing site for the Gulf Islands Ferry.

City and county officials originally entered into the interlocal agreement on Jan. 8, 2025, to address storm-related damage to the pier and floating dock. A previous amendment in May increased the reimbursement amount. The newly approved amendment further expands eligible project elements and extends the agreement’s termination date to Sept. 30 to allow time for project completion.

Hurricane-related repairs include replacing decking, pilings, and handrails, as well as repairing the dinghy dock and addressing damage to floating docks on the south side of the pier. Total repair costs are not expected to exceed $375,000, and Manatee County will reimburse the city for eligible expenses. Some of the repair work has already been completed, while additional improvements remain underway.

The updated agreement also supports enhancements needed to accommodate a third, larger ferry as part of the Gulf Islands Ferry service. Planned upgrades include extending the fire suppression system on the main fishing pier, reinforcing finger piers with aluminum gussets, adding mooring piles to the water taxi slip, and installing heavy-duty waste receptacles and benches.

Ferry-related improvements are estimated to cost no more than $100,000, with the city covering upfront costs and receiving reimbursement from the county. Included within that total is up to $15,000 for pier fence enhancements.

City officials noted the agreement's importance in securing reimbursement for completed and future work, while also positioning the pier to support expanded ferry operations. The partnership between Bradenton Beach and Manatee County continues to play a key role in both recovery efforts and long-term waterfront infrastructure improvements.