10/01/2024
Island trollies now running in Bradenton Beach
According to Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby, as of noon Tuesday the free MCAT Island Trolley buses are now traveling through Bradenton Beach in addition to the trolley service already occurring in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.
Trolley busses entering Bradenton Beach through Holmes Beach will travel south along Gulf Drive to the S-curve at 13th Street South. Passengers can get off the bus along the route to access their residential and commercial properties that may or may not have electrical service. The trollies will turn around at the S-curve and will not travel to Coquina Beach or the Coquina boat ramps which remain closed.
The trollies will then travel north on Gulf Drive and take a right turn (east) on the Cortez Bridge to pick up passengers near the Cortez Bridge, where vehicular access remains restricted. There is no designated parking for trolley passengers so you must find a legal parking place on your own. The trollies will turnaround at the Cortez Bridge and proceed north toward Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. Trolley arrival times will likely be approximately every half-hour with longer wait times possible.
According to Cosby, Gulf Drive has been cleared and FDOT is now clearing the city-owned side streets. As of mid-day Tuesday, it was not yet known when residents, business owners and property owners will be allowed to return to their properties via motor vehicle. Cosby said restricted vehicular return could begin as early as Friday but that is not definite and is subject to change.
Joe Hendricks | Sun