Iconic Cortez Marina and Restaurant Acquired by Manatee County for Public Use

The iconic waterfront destination known as The Shack, previously called the Seafood Shack, has a new owner as the Manatee County Commission unanimously approved its purchase during Thursday’s Land Use Meeting. The 8.9-acre property, located at 4110 127th St. W. in Cortez, includes a 120-slip marina, a 650-seat restaurant, and a banquet hall, and is a staple in the local maritime community.

Opened in 1971, The Shack boasts 1,000 feet of shoreline north of the Cortez Bridge and has been a beloved gathering spot for residents and tourists alike. The property, which went up for sale in May, was appraised at $12.55 million. A deal was reached in June for $13 million, with an environmental assessment in July confirming that the property was suitable for development, particularly for expanding boat ramp access.

County officials have announced plans to convert part of the site into a public boat ramp, with the aim of increasing the number of boat trailer parking spaces by up to 25% across Manatee County. Charles Meador, a property acquisition manager with Manatee County Government, highlighted the potential of the project to alleviate congestion at existing ramps. Currently, the county operates nine saltwater access public boat ramps, but the expansion at The Shack promises to significantly enhance capacity, adding an estimated 58-65 new trailer parking spaces and 93-134 car parking spaces. Additionally, the marina’s wet slips could increase to between 85 and 100.

The purchase decision reflects a broader strategy by the county to improve waterfront access for both commercial and recreational purposes. County commissioners have emphasized that the project aligns with the goal of expanding public boat ramps in a cost-effective manner. A total of $20.8 million, previously allocated for the now-abandoned Peninsula Bay boat ramp project, has been earmarked for The Shack’s transformation. Funding for the project will come from a mix of sources, including the county’s capital improvement plan (CIP), impact fees, and cash reserves.

Despite widespread approval of the purchase, some local business owners have expressed concerns. The Shack is surrounded by a variety of maritime businesses, such as Cortez Watersports, Annie’s Bait and Tackle, and H20 Watersportz. Some worry about the future of these businesses in light of the county’s acquisition. However, county officials have indicated that they plan to continue leasing space to the existing businesses, ensuring that the property maintains its role as a commercial hub in the community.

The sale of The Shack is expected to close in October, with further plans for the restaurant still undecided. County representatives are confident that the acquisition will benefit both local boaters and the broader community by improving public access to the Gulf waters while preserving the site’s historical and cultural significance.