Will Manatee County scrap Cortez boat ramp plan? Officials consider new idea
Neighbors say they’re against Manatee County Government’s plan to add a new public boat ramp just north of the Cortez Bridge — and county officials are considering an alternate plan.
The county purchased the 9-acre site that used to be the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill and Annie’s Bait and Tackle for $13 million in 2024. After devastation from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the buildings were demolished and has been a vacant lot ever since.
When the county launched a public survey for the project, Commissioner Tal Siddique, whose district includes Cortez, said a boat ramp and parking were non-negotiables. Staff said the survey found support for the idea among residents, with over half of respondents selecting a boat launch as a top choice for the property.
But at a recent meeting, nearly a dozen community members spoke in opposition to a boat ramp being included in the plans. Residents also submitted over 100 public comments ahead of the meeting, with the vast majority against a boat ramp.
After hearing their feedback, Manatee County Commissioners voted 5-1 for staff to develop at least two concept plans for the Cortez marina site — one with a boat ramp, and one without. Commissioner Bob McCann voted in opposition, citing residents’ concerns, and Commissioner Jason Bearden was absent.
County looks to expand boat ramp access
At the meeting, staff gave commissioners an overview of community outreach efforts, including online surveys and multiple open houses.
Survey respondents said their preferred list of amenities included a multi-lane boat ramp, landing spot for the Gulf Islands Ferry, passive recreation opportunities and waterfront dining.
According to the county’s survey, about 55% of respondents selected “recreation boat launch” as a top three need for the project. “Waterfront experience for non-boaters” and “natural green space” were also among the top priorities.
Common concerns raised throughout the surveys included traffic congestion, water quality and conflicts with turning at the intersection of Cortez Road and 127th Street West.
County officials emphasized that the Cortez marina purchase was intended to increase boat ramp capacity in Manatee County, coming after the county backed out of a development opportunity for a boat ramp in the nearby Peninsula Bay housing development.
The county transferred funds it previously allocated for the Peninsula Bay project to be used for the Cortez project. According to staff, about $5 million of those funds remain.
“The need for a boat ramp to relieve the pressure on the existing Anna Maria boat ramps dates back almost 15 years,” Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker said at the meeting.
Other public boat ramp locations near Cortez include Coquina Beach, Palma Sola Causeway and the Holmes Beach Memorial Park.
Residents oppose boat ramps in Cortez
But the neighbors who showed up to speak at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting didn’t share the same. Some questioned the county’s survey methods, and called for more evidence that the county has a boat ramp shortage.
Mark Silagy, president of the Cove Pointe Condominium Association, predicted the boat ramps would create traffic congestion and safety risks.
“What’s very critical for you to understand here today is that there are unique infrastructure challenges in our area, as well as existing traffic congestion, that is known only to those of us who live there because we experience them every day,” Silagy said. “Our residential roadways cannot safely accommodate boat ramp traffic.”
Many of the residents also represented the Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition, a community group supporting “smart, balanced growth” while raising concerns about projects that would worsen congestion and safety issues.
Kathleen Strakes, member of the coalition and president of the Harbour Landings Estates Association, said the coalition conducted its own survey of about 300 residents and, of those respondents, 96% said they opposed the boat ramp plans.
“As our elected officials, we count on you to represent us and to do the right thing when deciding what will be included in this development,” Strakes said. “We support smart development and the amenities that will serve all of our residents and visitors while preserving the charm of Cortez.”
Commission votes to proceed with plans
Siddique said he feels there’s a divide in the community between residents in northern Cortez who are opposed to the boat ramp and those in the historic Cortez village who want more boat access.
But Siddique argued the boat ramp would be an amenity for the entire county.
“I like the idea of having a boat ramp here still,” Siddique said. “That’s generally what the county wants.”
Commissioner George Kruse said having a lengthy debate about what would be most practical was difficult without having a visual and concept plan. He suggested a simple use of the land in the short term — like public green space — while the county develops a long-term plan.
The Florida Department of Transportation is also planning to build a new Cortez Bridge adjacent to the county’s site, which commissioners said adds some ambiguity.
“I just think this is premature,” Kruse said. “I think there’s good use of that land in the near turn, until the bridge gets in and we have a better handle on our budget, and the traffic.”
However, not all commissioners agreed the county should move forward with concept plans of any kind.
“Well, I don’t know about the position of the board, but it certainly is the direction of the people that they don’t want that there,” McCann said. “I’m definitely going to vote against it.”
What happens next?
Per the direction of the commissioners, county staff will work on developing multiple concept plans for the waterfront Cortez site, including one with and one without a boat launch.
Staff originally said the commission would see concept plans in February. But after the new directions from commissioners, they said it might take longer to produce the multiple plans.
