Cortez residents are voicing opposition to Manatee County’s plans for a new public boat ramp at the former Seafood Shack property, urging officials instead to restore the site as a commercial marina with a restaurant and retail businesses.
The county purchased the 8.8-acre waterfront property at the end of 2024 for $13 million, citing the need for additional public boating access. Commissioners also noted the potential for amenities such as slips, fuel service, and restaurant space. The property, once a popular waterfront destination, is now the focus of a debate over balancing neighborhood concerns with countywide demand for boating facilities.
Residents from several nearby communities said they are worried about traffic congestion, neighborhood compatibility, public safety, and environmental impacts. Many argued that a public ramp would overwhelm narrow roads and parking areas, while questioning the county’s data on ramp shortages and public survey methods. Others expressed concerns about construction staging during the upcoming Cortez Bridge replacement project, which is scheduled to begin in 2026.
County Commissioner Tal Siddique acknowledged the neighborhood concerns and said staff are studying traffic solutions, including a connector road around the marina parcel to reduce conflicts between residents and ramp-bound vehicles. While confirming that a public ramp remains part of the plan, he stated that the county also intends to explore complementary uses, such as retail, fuel, and slips, through a master planning process.
Design concepts are expected to be presented in 2026, with the county considering partnerships with private operators after the master plan is complete. For now, the property remains at the center of a larger conversation about the future of boating, traffic, and development in Cortez.
Commissioner Siddique's acknowledgment that "... staff are studying traffic solutions, including a connector road around the marina parcel to reduce conflicts between residents and ramp-bound vehicles." does not address the primary issue. Impacted resident's have made it clear that boat ramp traffic to a new facility both from and back onto Cortez Road West in both directions must be completely isolated from the residential neighborhood with no opportunity for that boat ramp traffic to use current residential access to and from Cortez Road West on 126th street/Harbor Landings Boulevard/119th street.
The residential communities have proposed solutions, first presented to Commissioner Kruse in September 2024, to solve this which require the county coordinate with FDOT and their construction of the new bridge and potentially require additional right of way access on the south side of Cortez Road West to create an on-ramp. Thus far, the FDOT project team responsible for the bridge project indicate they have had no contact from the county planners to discuss this issue.
The county's lack of action and willingness to engage on this point is a significant driver's of residential distrust regarding the project.