PALMETTO -- Strong winds delayed two cargo ships from arriving at Port Manatee on Monday along with a cruise ship and other vessels heads to the Port of Tampa.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Tampa Bay Pilots Association were concerned about pilots navigating the ships due to gale force winds at the entrance to the main channel just off Egmont Key, said Steve Tyndal, senior director of trade development and special projects for Port Manatee.
Both ships headed to Port Manatee were carrying perishables from Central America and were scheduled to arrive starting at 8 a.m.
Tyndal said it was possible one vessel would begin moving late Monday. There was no report on when the second ship would move.
The Carnival Inspiration and the cargo vessels headed to the Tampa port also were hindered by 10 to 15-foot swells. The 2000-passenger cruise ship is awaiting calmer weather before heading into port.
MSNBC to talk to Buchanan
BRADENTON -- Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, will appear today on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” to discuss the tax debate in Congress. Buchanan was recently named to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Cyclists protest AAA’s tax position
ORLANDO -- Despite cold, blustery weather, a group of 35 cyclists rode to AAA’s national headquarters Monday to protest what they contend is the association’s opposition to using federal tax dollars for bike and walking paths. Calling AAA “out of touch,” the president of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presented petitions with more than 51,000 signatures urging the automotive association to support using money from the federal transportation trust fund for uses other than highways.
-- Herald staff and wire reports
