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Cortez Bridge Project

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Project Information

Cortez Bridge

click here to view PD&E Project Information

Design Information

The project is located within the city limits of two communities – Bradenton and Bradenton Beach. Most of the project corridor consists of the existing bascule Cortez Bridge which connects to Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island (at the western approach) and to Bradenton on the mainland (at the eastern approach). The existing land uses around the wester approach include three condominium communities (Bridgeport, Gulf Watch, and Imperial House), Bradenton Beach Marina, and Bradenton Beach Police Department. The historic Cortez Fishing Village is located at the bridge’s eastern approach. Within this community there are several local businesses (Florida Watersports, Annie’s of Cortez, A Room with a Hue, Seafood Shack, Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina, The Sea Hagg and Cortez Market) and neighborhoods (Cortez Park and Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort).


Design Concept


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Bridge Aesthetics Committee

The Florida Department of Transportation has formed a Bridge Aesthetics Committee (BAC) consisting of community representatives from Cortez and Bradenton Beach to provide input on the bridge aesthetics.

For more information visit the Public Involvement Page


PD&E Final Documents

Click here to view the Final Documents

PD&E Presentations

The Cortez Bridge study team gave presentations to various governmental groups and organizations:

  • Sarasota/Manatee MPO board – April 23, 2018 (presentation - click here), October 27, 2014, July 22, 2013
  • November 3, 2017 - City of Bradenton Beach
  • Island Transportation Planning Organization – October 20, 2014, June 17, 2013, June 13, 2016
  • Manatee County Board of County Commissioners - June 7, 2016 (presentation - click here)
  • Anna Maria Rotary Club - February 3, 2015
  • Manatee Chamber of Commerce - January 9, 2015
  • Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Technical Advisory Committee – October 13, 2014, July 8, 2013
  • Sarasota/Manatee MPO Bicycle Pedestrian Trails Advisory Committee – October 6, 2014, January 6, 2014
  • Sarasota/Manatee MPO Citizens Advisory Committee – October 2, 2014, July 11, 2013
  • Manatee County Board of County Commissioners – September 23, 2014, June 18, 2013
  • All Angels Episcopal Church (Longboat Key) - November 19, 2013
  • ManaSota-88 – October 16, 2013
  • Cortez Village Mobile Home Park - May 9, 2013

PD&E Newsletters

Newslestter Newslestter
Newsletter 1
September 2013
Newsletter 2
August 2014
Newsletter 3
July 2016
Newsletter 4
August 2017