The Tourist Development Council (TDC) of Manatee County convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss critical developments regarding the reconstruction of the Anna Maria City Pier and the integration of a ferry stop. The meeting focused on the financial implications and logistical considerations of these projects, which are essential for enhancing multimodal transportation in the region.

The session began with a discussion led by the Mayor, who expressed concerns about the redundancy of constructing a separate ferry pier when a stop could be integrated into the new City Pier. The estimated cost for a standalone ferry pier was cited at approximately $1.2 million, while the integration into the new City Pier could potentially be more cost-effective. The Mayor emphasized the urgency of the project, noting that the ferry service had successfully removed 13,000 cars from local roads in 2024, significantly alleviating traffic congestion.

Council members deliberated on the financial aspects, particularly the need for funding from both the TDC and the county. A proposal was made to seek up to $2 million to support the ongoing design and remediation work for the pier. The Mayor assured that the city would collaborate with the TDC and the county to secure necessary funding, including potential contributions from FEMA.

Concerns were raised regarding the timeline for FEMA funding, with some members noting that previous requests for disaster relief had taken years to process. The discussion highlighted the importance of having a clear capital stack to ensure that funds are available when needed, particularly as the project aims for completion by fall 2026.

The meeting concluded with a motion to recommend the allocation of up to $2 million to the county commission, which is expected to review the proposal in July. This funding is intended to keep the project on track while further discussions with FEMA and other funding sources continue. The TDC plans to reconvene in August for updates on the progress of the pier reconstruction and ferry integration efforts.