Community Rallies Against Proposed Cruise Port
PALMETTO, Fla. — Residents near Terra Ceia and Rattlesnake Key are expressing strong opposition to a proposed cruise ship port that would occupy 328 acres of land close to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Concerns center around potential environmental damage and the impact on the historic coastal neighborhood. A rally is set for February 14 to voice these concerns and educate the community.
Environmental Concerns Spark Community Action
Local residents are alarmed by the implications of constructing a cruise ship terminal in their area. Geoff Click, a Terra Ceia resident since 2019, highlighted the environmental risks associated with the project. “If you want to bring a cruise ship in, you’re going to have to dredge it out from what is currently 2-3 feet deep to 40 or 50 feet deep,” he stated. Click is organizing a rally at Seabreeze Park on Valentine’s Day to raise awareness about the potential ecological consequences of the development.
The terminal, proposed by SSA Marine in collaboration with Tampa Bay’s Slip Knott LLC., aims to accommodate megaships that cannot navigate under the Sunshine Skyway. While developers argue that the project will boost tourism and provide economic benefits, Click and other residents are skeptical. They fear that the construction and operation of the terminal could jeopardize the fragile ecosystem that has been preserved for decades. “It’s one of the oldest places in Manatee County, with a living coastline full of mangroves,” Click emphasized, noting that the aquatic preserve has been established for over 40 years.
Beyond environmental issues, residents are questioning the validity of the promised economic advantages. Click pointed out, “There’s just 101 reasons this doesn’t work and two reasons why it should be considered; job creation, which isn’t going to stay in Manatee County, and economic benefits that are really unproven.” The project is still in its early stages, with developers having submitted a pre-application request for preliminary feedback from county officials.
Rally Aims to Educate and Engage Community
The upcoming rally is designed to be family-friendly and informative. Click plans to showcase images of the areas that could be affected by the proposed port and will feature environmental experts discussing the impacts of similar cruise ship ports in other habitats. The event will also provide outreach information on how community members can express their opinions on the project.
Manatee County Commissioners have acknowledged the significant opposition from residents and have encouraged them to reach out to state leaders regarding their concerns. Click anticipates a large turnout at the rally, expecting not only to fill the park but also to line the streets with supporters. He invites anyone interested in the issue to join the conversation, emphasizing that the rally will focus on education rather than confrontation. “What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day than sharing your love for Terra Ceia?” Click remarked, highlighting the event’s positive and constructive atmosphere.
