On Jan. 8, at their first meeting of the new year, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners received an update on the acquisition of the Seafood Shack property in Cortez from deputy county administrator Bryan Parnell.
The property consists of approximately 5.9 acres of uplands and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres. Commissioners were informed that the county closed on the $13 million purchase Dec. 31, 2024.
“The primary purpose for this property will be a public boat ramp,” said Parnell. “We will work with the board in the coming months to ensure that we have the proper scope of work before we start with design and construction.”
The marina suffered substantial damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September-October and those damages were not addressed by Parnell.
Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, an agency of the Manatee County Tourism Development Council, responded to The Islander about the Seafood Shack and space for the Gulf Islands Ferry at the Seafood Shack marina by email Jan. 10, saying: “We will at some point suggest to the board of county commissioners to look at overnighting the two currently used water ferries at that future location, and possibly adding the seafood shack to the route system.”
Falcione also said the BACVB plans to continue to suggest to the county that they utilize the tourism tax and pursue grant opportunities for the ferry operation. “At no point, do we want to consider utilizing general funds for the water ferry program.”
“Looking for a good opportunity on this one,” Falcione added.
Vandyk Properties, a Canadian-based development company, listed the Seafood Shack, a landmark restaurant on Sarasota Bay and the surrounding properties on the north side of Cortez in April 2023 for at least $15 million.
Vandyk Properties is a privately-owned real estate development and investment management company specializing in luxury condominium developments. It has made other land acquisitions in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, including One88, a five-story, $17 million residential building in downtown Sarasota.
The Islander reported in May 2023 that Vandyke opted to not pursue the property as a development site after realizing incompatibility with their objectives to develop luxury condominiums.
Vandyk bought the property in 2014, including the 650-seat restaurant and banquet hall, 100-slip marina and six acres. The purchase also included Annie’s Bait and Tackle Shop, 4334 127th St. W., and a home site at 4327 127th St. W.
The marina was originally built in 1971 by Ham Jones, who built the restaurant a year later and operated the restaurant and marina — including a paddlewheel party boat for many years — until his health failed.
For more information about Manatee County government, visit mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501.
— Bonner Joy