Boating is more popular than ever in Manatee County, Florida records show. Here’s why

James A. Jones Jr.
·4 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to waterways in Manatee County and offshore.

In 2022, there were 25,713 registered pleasure boats — everything from canoes to boats more than 100 feet long — in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

That’s an increase of 6,159 registered boats from 2019.

Cynthia Belfatto, manager of Twin Dolphin Marina, 1000 First Ave. W., Bradenton, has seen it firsthand.

“We’re busier than ever,” said Belfatto.

“It seems that a lot of people were using their boats during the pandemic. We also have a lot of new residents who want to live the dream,” Belfatto said.

Boating on the rise in Manatee County

The destruction to homes and marinas in counties south of Bradenton by Hurricane Ian also brought new boaters to Manatee County, she said.

Adam Winsler of Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, has also seen the shift.

“We have definitely seen an explosion in business since COVID. A lot of people had the time and money and went out and bought a boat,” he said.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to Manatee County waterways, according to state data. The Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton is shown in this Bradenton Herald file photo.
The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to Manatee County waterways, according to state data. The Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton is shown in this Bradenton Herald file photo.

Many Manatee County boaters took to local waterways in early 2020 as the pandemic spread across the community.

Much was unknown about COVID-19 then, except that fresh air and space was a good thing.

During the pandemic, mental health became a concern and residents turned increasingly to outdoor activities, everything from neighborhood walks, to park visits and boating.

But on March 26, 2020, former public safety director Jake Saur announced that Manatee County boat ramps would close after staff observed large gatherings near Beer Can Island.

Saur had the authority to close the ramps under the county’s local state of emergency resolution.

Two weeks later, the Manatee County Commission voted 4-3 to reopen the ramps, saying that low-income residents had been denied access to the water for fishing and feeding their families.

In addition, boaters with access to private docks had been under no restrictions.

County wants more public boat ramps

With Manatee County’s growing population, including more boaters, officials have discussed the need for more ramps for several years.

Mike Solum, a program manager for Manatee County Government, said Thursday that the county is always looking for potential new ramp locations: areas with water access and room for parking.

“We just rebuilt the Coquina Beach ramp and are about to rebuild the Kingfish Boat Ramp,” Solum said.

“I was at Kingfish on Wednesday and it was packed with a lot of families with school-age children,” he said, adding that during COVID, boat sales surged.

The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to Manatee County waterways, according to state data. The Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton is shown in this Bradenton Herald file photo.
The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and an influx of new residents helped add thousands of recreational boaters to Manatee County waterways, according to state data. The Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton is shown in this Bradenton Herald file photo.

Number of recreational boats in Bradenton area

The largest single-year increase in Manatee County pleasure boat registrations was in 2021 when 3,709 were added. Here are the number of pleasure boats registered in Manatee County by year:

  • 2022 — 25,713

  • 2021 — 24,117

  • 2020 — 20,408

  • 2019 — 19,554

Florida boating safety tips

Asked about the increasing number of boaters, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided a statement:

“Florida, with its great year-round weather and plenty of access to fresh and saltwater, is the boating capital of the world. Florida leads the nation with over one million registered vessels across the state and is known as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors.

Public boat ramps in Manatee County were briefly closed on March 26, 2020 at 6 a.m. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They reopened two weeks later following public outcry about the restriction.
Public boat ramps in Manatee County were briefly closed on March 26, 2020 at 6 a.m. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They reopened two weeks later following public outcry about the restriction.

“Manatee County is a direct reflection of that increase, as they have seen boat registrations climb significantly over the past few years. With the increase of vessels on our waterways however, comes the increase for potential tragedy. Unfortunately, each year FWC officers respond to far too many boating accidents that could have been prevented.

“Our officers continue to work with local partner agencies to promote safe boating practices and to ensure that everyone returns safely to the dock. FWC officers are on patrol daily to respond to calls for assistance, routinely inspect safety equipment and arrest impaired operators that pose a threat to other boaters on the water.

“The FWC actively reminds all boaters enjoying Florida’s waterways to do so safely. Please wear your life jacket and maintain a 360-degree awareness at all times while boating. For more boating safety tips, visit MyFWC.com/boating.”

Bradenton Boat Show 2023

The annual three-day Bradenton Boat Show at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

It is billed as a gathering for all things maritime, including boats, accessories, clothing and sea life.

Adult tickets: $6. Children 12 and below: free. Parking is free.

For more information, visit www.BlackLabelMarineGroup.com.