Will new Florida bill block Manatee cruise port? Some say the fight’s not over

Florida lawmakers say a bill they just passed will help block a controversial proposal for a mega-sized cruise ship terminal in coastal Manatee County.

The bill, SB 302: Coastal Resiliency, received unanimous support in the Florida House this week after passing in the Senate last month. It includes an amendment by state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, that limits the types of dredging and development than can occur in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. It now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval or a veto.

“The Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve is no place to allow dredging for a mega cruise ship terminal,” Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, said in a social media post. “The Florida House of Representatives adopted the Florida Senate bill which greatly enhances the protections in that area. The bill is off to the Governor for hopeful approval! There is still a long way to go, but this is definitely one BIG step to stopping this terrible project.”

On social media, some celebrated the bill as the end of their fight against the cruise port proposal, which is unpopular with many residents.

Save Rattlesnake Key, a Facebook page that sponsored a petition against the cruise port that drew almost 20,000 signatures, called the bill a “nail in the coffin.”

“Your determination turned the tide and made lawmakers listen. You didn’t just sign — you helped sink a bad idea before it could set sail and spoil our waters, wildlife, mangroves, and way of life,” Bradenton resident and page host Corey Mckeever posted this week.

Is the cruise terminal company giving up?

But if the bill does become law, not everyone is convinced it will spell the end of the cruise port idea, or prevent development in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Asked for comment on the bill’s passage, SSA Marine, one of two companies behind the cruise port pitch, said they are still pursuing their project.

“SSA Marine looks forward to continuing to share our vision for meaningful environmental conservation, local job creation, and long-term economic growth in Manatee County,” spokesperson Sally Dee said in an email. “We remain committed to working constructively and maintaining an open dialogue with state and local leaders, community stakeholders, and regional partners, to ensure this project meets the economic and ecological needs of the region.”

Slip Knott LLC, the company that owns the Knott-Cowen Tract where the cruise port is proposed, declined to comment.

Cruise port opponents expect ‘long battle’

Local environmental groups who have organized campaigns against the proposal celebrated the bill’s passage, but also say they are preparing for “a long battle ahead.”

“We are grateful for Senator Boyd’s leadership and stand ready to keep defending the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve at every step,” Suncoast Waterkeeper said in a social media post. “This fight is far from over, and we anticipate a long battle ahead, but we are committed to protecting what we love!”

“We worked with the senator, had several discussions about the amendment. So we appreciate the effort,” said Justin Tramble, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, in a video posted online. “Know that the coalition of folks working on this know that this is a long-term fight. We’re going to continue to work with the senator and the legislature to provide even stronger protections for the aquatic preserve moving forward.”

In the meantime, cruise port opponents are urging locals to keep paying attention.

“We’ve got to stay vigilant,” Tramble said. “Know that this is a direct result of all the energy created by the community that wants to see this place protected.”

This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 3:25 PM.