Cortez Bridge

Cortez Bridge is a road bridge in Manatee County that crosses Sarasota Bay and connects Bradenton Beach to the mainland of Cortez. The structure features two moveable leaves that can open to allow boat traffic to pass through.

The original swing bridge built in 1921 was replaced in 1956 with this modern bascule bridge to improve efficiency and traffic flow. This upgrade reflected the community's growth and the region's increasing transportation needs.

The bridge links fishing communities on both sides of the bay and remains vital for local commercial vessels and recreational boats passing through daily. It shapes the rhythm of life for people who cross regularly between the islands and the mainland.

The bridge experiences heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours and is best crossed outside these peak times. Boat operators should be aware that opening the bridge for passage can result in varying wait times depending on vehicle traffic.

Plans are underway to replace it with a new higher structure that will allow most sailboats to pass underneath without the bridge opening. This would streamline traffic flow for both vehicles and boats significantly.