Gulf Islands Ferry Service to offer free rides for residents and workers

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Manatee County announced that its Gulf Islands Ferry Service will offer free rides to Anna Maria Island residents, as well as people working on the island and contractors working on the island.

Free rides begin this Friday, November 1, 2024.

“Now that safe routes and connecting locations have been confirmed, the Manatee County Board of Commissioners is once again committing our resources to our community with free service to displaced residents and workers,” said Elliot Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau. “We want this service to benefit our barrier island community during this difficult time.”

The service will run Thursday through Sunday, with boats leaving the Riverwalk Pier starting at 7:30 a.m. and continuing once an hour until 6:30 p.m. On Anna Maria Island, service begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m., with boats leaving every hour. .

For more information and a complete schedule, visit gulfislandsferry.com or Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website.