Will Manatee build new boat ramps in Cortez? Here are 5 things to know

Manatee County Government’s proposal to add a new public boat ramp near the Cortez Bridge has sparked opposition from local residents, prompting officials to consider alternative plans.

The county purchased the site for $13 million in 2024, intending to enhance boat ramp access following hurricane damage to previous structures.

FULL STORY: Will Manatee County scrap Cortez boat ramp plan? Officials consider new idea

• A public survey indicated support for a boat ramp, with over half of respondents favoring it, but community feedback at a recent meeting showed strong opposition.
• Nearby residents voiced concerns about traffic congestion, safety risks and questioned the county’s survey methods, with many advocating for “smart, balanced growth.”
• Commissioners voted 5-1 to develop two concept plans for the site: one including a boat ramp and one without, reflecting the divided community opinions.
• The county aims to address boat ramp shortages, transferring funds from a previous project to this initiative, though residents remain skeptical of the need.
• Future plans will consider both immediate and long-term uses of the land, with potential impacts from a new Cortez Bridge adding complexity to the decision-making process.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Bradenton Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at the top was reported, written and edited entirely by Bradenton Herald journalists.