If you're looking for an easier way to get to and from Anna Maria Island, there's one in the works — city tourism leaders say they are making progress on the upcoming Gulf Islands Ferry. While the service hasn't launched just yet, the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) says the ferry will begin to carry passengers later this summer. It'll be operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi, which operates Clearwater Ferry. On Thursday, the BACVB announced two 50-foot catamarans splashed down in Cortez — "Miss Anna Maria" and the "Downtown Duchess." The two boats will be part of the transport service and will each hold 49 passengers and two crew members aboard. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/gulf-islands-ferry-bradenton-anna-maria-island-summer2023/67-452f3268-5a10-4620-b258-cc414fc05a58 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay