As of today, March 10, 2026, residents and visitors of Holmes Beach can look forward to the convenient transportation options provided by the Manatee County Area Transit’s island trolley. The trolley service began on March 1, and it runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. This excellent service connects Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria, making it easier than ever to explore the beautiful surroundings without the hassle of parking. Best of all, there’s no fare for riding the trolley or the mainland routes, which is a fantastic perk for those looking to enjoy a day out without breaking the bank.
For those needing to venture further, buses to the mainland are available at both the Coquina and Manatee Public beach hubs. This seamless integration of transport options ensures that getting around is as simple as can be. However, keep in mind that some road projects may cause temporary inconveniences as you travel.
Current Road Projects and Alerts
One notable project is the ongoing Manatee Avenue Water Main Intracoastal Crossing at State Road 64/Anna Maria Island Bridge, which is currently causing temporary lane closures. Additionally, the Gulf Drive Sea Level Rise Mitigation Project in Holmes Beach is expected to continue into April, with periodic lane closures near 55th and 56th Streets. If you’re planning to drive along Gulf Drive, be aware that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is milling and resurfacing the road from Coquina Beach to State Road 64/Manatee Avenue, which will result in overnight single-lane closures until May 1.
Furthermore, construction is ongoing on the south side of Cortez Road West, just east of the Cortez Bridge, due to pipe installation which is set to last into spring. The 75th Street West Improvements Project, stretching from 19th Avenue West to Second Avenue West, is also causing delays that drivers should keep in mind. For real-time traffic conditions, you can check the cameras at www.smarttrafficinfo.org.
Ongoing Safety and Improvement Projects
The FDOT has also issued an Emergency Travel Alert, urging travelers to stay informed through a dedicated website. Among the various programs and projects aimed at enhancing safety and connectivity in the area are the Connecting Communities Program and the Moving Florida Forward initiative. Noteworthy projects include safety improvements on State Road 70, the Anna Maria Bridge Replacement, and the Cortez Bridge Project, which are all designed to improve traffic flow and safety in the region.
Public participation in these projects is encouraged, with no discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. For questions regarding discrimination or civil rights, residents can reach out to Cynthia Sykes, the District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287 or via email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us.
For more detailed information on road projects and safety initiatives in Manatee County, you can visit the FDOT website.