MANATEE -- A Tampa legal firm specializing in bankruptcy cases has been retained by Port Manatee officials, officials said today.

Port Authority Executive Director Carlos Buqueras said he had retained Bush Ross P.A., to make sure that the port's claims are put forth in connection with a huge spill that dumped 170 million gallons into the neighborhood around the former phosphate plant property.

The property, owned by HRK Holdings, LLC, was being used to store material from a dredging project at the port. The company's facility at the converted phosphate plant developed leaks, which sent polluted water cascading into nearby neighborhoods and eventually into Bishop Harbor.

The company, whose property is located across the street from the port, is in the midst of a bankruptcy case.