Development paperwork filed for new Manatee County cruise port. See the plans

The company behind a proposal for a cruise ship port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge has shared new details of its plans in documents filed with Manatee County Government.

The plans include a map of the proposed cruise ship port’s location within the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a protected natural area on the edge of Tampa Bay.

The documents also include information about the company’s plan to dredge the area using rights they claim the State of Florida granted to the property approximately 70 years ago.

The port concept would allow massive cruise ships that cannot fit under the Skyway to dock in Tampa Bay. It’s proposed for the Knott-Cowen Tract, a 328-acre piece of land that borders the north and south sides of Interstate 275, just east of the Skyway.

The land is owned by Tampa-based company Slip Knott LLC, which is partnering with cruise ship terminal company SSA Marine to pursue the project.

Here’s a closer look at the plans for the proposed port.

Plans for Manatee County cruise ship center revealed

In filings with Manatee County Government, Slip Knott LLC shared a map that proposes a “cruise port center” at the south end of the Knott-Cowen Tract.

The location is just south of I-275 and southeast of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It’s just west of Terra Ceia, an unincorporated community home to less than 500 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

The map shows a total of 308 acres included in the project, including 271 acres to the south of the interstate and 57 acres to the north. In addition to the Knott-Cowen Tract, the map shows that Paradise Island and Skeet Key, two islands to the west, are included in the project plans.

It also depicts north and south I-275 exits to access the cruise port areas.

“The addition of a cruise port at this location will strengthen and diversify the economy of Manatee County and provide a diverse range of employment opportunities to current and future residents of Manatee County,” says a letter dated Jan. 16 requesting a pre-application meeting with Manatee County’s Development Services.

Residents react to cruise port proposal

SSA Marine announced its plans for a Manatee County cruise port in an opinion piece published last week on the Bradenton Herald’s website.

The concept immediately drew a strong reaction from Manatee County residents on social media.

While some have voiced support for the cruises and jobs that the port could bring to the area, many others strongly oppose it. Their concerns include potential environmental damage from dredging and cruise port traffic, as well as the crowds that the facility would bring to the area.

What happens next?

Filings with Manatee County Development Services say the company intends to seek a rezoning of its property for industrial development, as well as an amendment to the county’s Comprehensive Plan to allow the project to proceed. The department currently lists the project’s pre-application as “in review.”

A letter from Manatee County Development Services dated Jan. 15 said the project qualifies for the county’s Rapid Response program, which speeds up consideration for projects that could have a significant impact on the local economy.

If the company moves forward with its application, the project will require public hearings and approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 1:18 PM.