Debate Over Traffic Solutions Intensifies for Anna Maria Island Congestion
Traffic congestion along the Bradenton Beach portion of Anna Maria Island continues to frustrate residents and visitors, particularly during peak tourist season, and local leaders remain divided on how best to address the issue.
During an April 6 meeting of the Longboat Key Town Commission, Commissioner Sarah Karon raised concerns about persistent traffic backups affecting those traveling between Longboat Key and the mainland via the Cortez Bridge. Congestion frequently stretches as far south as the 6500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, creating delays for commuters.
Karon suggested a potential short-term solution focused on the Coquina Beach parking lot, which feeds directly onto State Road 789. She proposed limiting the number of exit points from the lot during peak times, arguing that reducing multiple entry points onto the roadway could improve traffic flow by minimizing the number of vehicles merging at once.
The Coquina Beach lot, owned and maintained by Manatee County Government, contains more than 800 parking spaces and serves as a popular destination, especially during the seasonal Coquina Beach Farmers Market. County officials indicated that any potential changes to traffic patterns in the lot are being considered in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation as part of the planned Longboat Pass Bridge replacement project. However, no final decisions have been made regarding design, funding, or traffic modifications.
While Karon views adjustments to parking lot exits as a practical step, Tal Siddique expressed skepticism, noting that reducing exit points could simply shift congestion into the parking lot itself without resolving the larger issue on Gulf Drive. He described the current configuration as a balance that may not significantly improve with minor adjustments.
Instead, Siddique advocates for a broader, long-term approach that reduces reliance on vehicles altogether. He emphasized the need for expanded multimodal transportation options, including safer biking infrastructure, additional ferry service, and improved pedestrian access. He pointed to models like Sanibel Island, where dedicated off-road trails have helped ease traffic by encouraging alternative modes of travel.
Efforts to improve mobility are already underway through FDOT’s Barrier Island Project Development and Environment study, which aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety while exploring ways to reduce vehicle dependency across the island corridor.
In the near term, infrastructure changes may also play a role. The planned replacement of the Cortez drawbridge with a fixed-span bridge is expected to reduce traffic delays caused by regular bridge openings, which currently halt traffic multiple times each hour.
Additional transportation options are also on the horizon. The county’s Gulf Islands Ferry system is preparing to expand service with a new stop at Coquina Beach, supported by the introduction of the 92-seat vessel known as the Manatee Belle. Officials believe increased ferry usage could help reduce the number of cars traveling on and around the island.
As discussions continue, local leaders agree that while the problem is well understood, finding a solution that balances accessibility, safety, and infrastructure limitations remains a complex challenge for the barrier island community.
