During a recent gathering of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) at The Center of Anna Maria Island, plans were unveiled to ramp up the marketing endeavors of the Gulf Island Ferry. Funding Injection: The Gulf Island Ferry is on track to secure an additional $75,000 in marketing funding pending approval from the Manatee County Commission as proposed by the TDC. Operating between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and Bradenton Beach Pier, the ferry has been steadily growing in popularity. Elliott Falcione, TDC member and Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, provided an optimistic update on the ferry's performance. Thriving Operations: Falcione praised the ferry's recent success, highlighting its consistent full capacity, notably during its Wednesday to Sunday schedule. Plans are in place to maintain year-round services, with a successful June setting the stage for further expansion. Marketing Maneuvers: Citing insights from a recent survey by Research Data Services, Falcione emphasized that 60% of beach visitors were already familiar with the ferry service. In a bid to enhance brand recognition, he recommended allocating $75,000 from tourist tax revenues towards marketing initiatives. This includes conducting local research and kickstarting a brand promotion campaign to prolong the ferry service's appeal post-summer. Community Endorsement: Gene Brown, TDC member and Bradenton Mayor, expressed amazement at the ferry's surging popularity, noting the consistent full house on the 49-seat vessel. The unanimous backing of the $75,000 proposal reflects the community's eagerness to fortify the Gulf Island Ferry service. The proposition is now slated for consideration by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for the final green light.