Manatee County Commission Votes to Explore Repairing Historic Annie’s Bait and Tackle

*At a Manatee County Commission meeting on January 28, the board voted unanimously to direct county staff to explore ways to bring Annie’s Bait and Tackle, a cherished local business, up to code following significant hurricane damage. This decision came after a strong show of public support, with many residents urging the county to preserve the historic bait shop.

The motion was led by County Commissioner Jason Bearden, who expressed frustration over the lack of action. Bearden emphasized the community's desire to see the business restored, instructing the county’s administrator to figure out how to make repairs so that Annie’s could continue operating without further delay. The bait shop is located on the newly acquired Cortez Marina property, which the county plans to develop into a public boating facility. However, the extensive damage to the property, including the bait shop, triggered FEMA regulations, as repairs would exceed 50% of the building's value.

Despite the challenges posed by these regulations, the commission moved forward with plans to explore solutions. Deputy County Administrator Brian Parnell explained that any repairs would need to meet FEMA’s standards, which could be complicated by the severity of the damage. Still, Commissioner George Kruse requested a feasibility study to determine the steps required for restoring the building.

The commission also set a 30-day deadline for county staff to present a plan for repairs. The vote passed unanimously, and the decision was met with applause from the meeting’s attendees, many of whom expressed their strong support for the business.

Bruce Shearer, co-owner of Annie’s, indicated that he would work with contractors to get an estimate for repairs and bring it back to the county within the 30-day timeframe. While he was hopeful the repairs could be completed soon, he expressed concern about the county’s two-to-three-year timeline for redevelopment of the area, which could leave Annie’s without a permanent location for several years.

Annie’s has been a staple in the Cortez Village community for nearly three decades, and its closure due to hurricane damage has left many locals worried about the loss of the historic business. Supporters of the bait shop, including local residents and business owners, have rallied to keep it in operation, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance.

While the immediate future of Annie’s remains uncertain, the commission’s vote marks an important step toward preserving the business and its place in the community. County staff will now work to determine how to meet both regulatory requirements and the needs of Annie’s Bait and Tackle, hoping to restore the beloved business as soon as possible.