MANATEE COUNTY, FL (September 6, 2024) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has voted to buy the Seafood Shack Marina, Bar and Grill in Cortez.
Commissioners voted unanimously to provide funding and instruct staff to execute a contract on the $13 million purchase of the 8.8-acre property, which is targeted to be developed as a public boating access facility that includes a public boat ramp and/or dry storage facility in addition to the marina component.
Planners point out that if the property is developed as a public boat ramp facility, the site has the potential to increase the number of boat trailer parking spaces available for Manatee citizens by up to 25% county wide. In recognizing that this is a working waterfront, the County will be making every effort to amend and assume the lease(s) and transfer the contract(s) of current tenants and boat slip users.
“Fishermen will be very happy that we will have more boat ramps . . . and parking,” said BOCC Chair Mike Rahn.
The purchase is expected to close in October.