Negotiations continue for a water taxi that would navigate between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
The talks involve a vendor with experience operating a water taxi service, Manatee County administrator Scott Hopes and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Elliott Falcione.
Falcione told county commissioners Sept. 13 that they would see a draft contract at their Sept. 27 regular meeting.
He also said he expected to ask the county tourist development council for a recommendation at a meeting in October, since the project would need to allocate tourist tax funds.
“We’re all in and we got to make this happen,” Falcione said.
The county sought bids for a water taxi earlier this year but received no interest.
Since then, Falcione said, the county entertained several proposals.
“We are close to finalizing a public-private partnership,” he told commissioners.
The terms could result in a water taxi launch by February 2023.
The service initially would operate 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
The adult fare would be $8 per ride or $10 for a day pass and negotiations include discussion of a fare-free ride for workers using the service to commute.
Fares would be purchased via an app and no cash would be handled at the boats.
The service would employ two pontoon catamarans that can carry 49 passengers.
Stops would include the day dock along the Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton just east of the Green Bridge — within walking distance to three hotels — as well as the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria and the Historic Bridge Street Pier and a Coquina Bayside dock in Bradenton Beach.
“We will need to enhance the piers,” Falcione said.
Earlier this month, Anna Maria commissioners approved a draft interlocal agreement. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie has spoken enthusiastically about the project while Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown has indicated the mainland city will work on an interlocal agreement with the county.
County commissioners took no action Sept. 13 but they raised questions and expressed opinions.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who lives in Holmes Beach, cautioned against the use of pontoon boats to carry so many people on the sometimes rough Intracoastal Waterway.
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh asked about passenger carry-ons — beach chairs, bikes, coolers.
“We’ll look at that,” Falcione said.
Commissioner James Satcher asked about additional stops.
Falcione said he anticipated the question. The service would expand, including a likely stop near the convention center and hotel in Palmetto.
“This is the basic infrastructure to get it going,” he said.
The county commission meeting Sept. 27 will begin at 9 a.m. at the administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave., Bradenton.