In 2016, Manthey expanded the company’s footprint with the launch of Pirate Water Taxi, a daily water transportation service operating seven vessels across 10 downtown Tampa stops. The fleet continued to grow in 2020 with the addition of the Pirate Ship Lost Pearl. Most recently, Manthey Hospitality introduced Craft, a 150-passenger modern river cruiser offering culinary and cocktail experiences along the Hillsborough River, featuring Florida’s first gas-cooking, open-kitchen concept aboard a dining vessel.

Deeply engaged in the Tampa Bay community, Manthey has served in numerous civic and industry leadership roles, including past Chairman of the Board for Visit Tampa Bay, founding board member Friends of the Riverwalk, the Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association, the Port of Tampa Maritime Industries Association, S.S. American Victory Ship and Visit Florida. Nationally, he served as President of the Passenger Vessel Association in 2005 and currently serves on the Passenger Vessel Foundation Board.

Manthey Hospitality was named the Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2016 Small Business of the Year (51–250 employee category). Manthey has also received the Ambassador of the Year Award from Visit Tampa Bay (2017), the Park Wright Leadership Award from Leadership Tampa Alumni (2022) and Port Tampa Bay (2023) James McKay Maritime Person of the Year.

Captain Manthey holds a United States Coast Guard license as Master (Inland) and First Class Pilot – Any Gross Tons. A dedicated advocate for passenger vessel safety, he received the U.S. Coast Guard’s Meritorious Public Service Commendation in 1996 and a Public Service Commendation in 1997.

Manthey resides in both Tampa and Nashville with his wife Jill and their two sons, Jack and Patrick. His adult daughter, Lindsey, resides in New Orleans.