Do Manatee lawmakers support cruise port plans? Why they scrapped a bill
As controversy grows over a proposed cruise port in Manatee County, state lawmakers who represent the area are speaking out against the project.
Manatee County’s delegation members also say they will shelve a separate plan to transfer local control of SeaPort Manatee to the state, a move that drew public scrutiny after the cruise port plans were revealed.
On Friday, State Representative Will Robinson and State Senator Jim Boyd announced the withdrawal of House Bill 4073, which would have changed the governance of SeaPort Manatee, a county-owned cargo port. While the bill was not related to the proposed Knott-Cowen Cruise Port, the legislative delegation said the growing public opposition to that project prompted them to rethink the bill’s timing.
“The proposed cruise terminal on Rattlesnake Key has understandably created public angst. While HB 4073 has no direct relationship to a cruise terminal, there are concerns about proposed changes to control and jurisdiction at this critical time,” a statement from Manatee County’s legislative delegation said. “Therefore, we believe it is prudent to pause and withdraw the local bill from further consideration this legislative session and allow for continued dialogue with all stakeholders.”
SSA Marine recently announced plans to build a cruise terminal on 328 acres of land on the Knott-Cowen Tract, north of Rattlesnake Key and adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The proposal is still in the early stages and pending several approvals from Manatee County Government and other agencies.
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Manatee lawmakers: Port Authority changes still a priority
If approved, HB 4073 would have changed the Manatee County Port Authority to an independent special district with a five-member board. Four of those members would be appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and one would be appointed by Manatee County commissioners.
Currently, Manatee County commissioners oversee the Manatee County Port Authority as a dependent district, with Commissioner Mike Rahn as chair.
In the statement posted on Boyd’s X account, he said the bill would have advanced a long-term vision for the port.
“Under the leadership of experienced, business-focused, and community-minded board members, SeaPort Manatee will be better positioned to modernize, compete, and reach its full potential as an enterprise while prioritizing environmental stewardship and maintaining strong public accountability,” the statement read. “We believe that the filed HB 4073 was well-intentioned.”
While HB 4073 is out of consideration for this legislative session, Boyd said restructuring the Manatee County Port Authority is still a priority.
“Though circumstances have changed, our priorities remain the same. We seek to protect and conserve the beauty of our region, advance the priorities of our constituents and make thoughtful, well-timed decisions about the future of SeaPort Manatee,” the statement said.
The statement also detailed previous attempts to preserve Rattlesnake Key.
“The island and surrounding wetlands are some of the last remaining undeveloped coastal lands in Tampa Bay, and it was our goal to protect them,” Boyd’s statement said.
State lawmakers secured $23 million in funding to purchase the key in 2022, but the purchase fell through due to a discrepancy in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s appraisal. Then, in 2024, state lawmakers had $8 million and Manatee County was ready to contribute additional funds, but Rattlesnake Key’s previous owner believed the land was worth more, Boyd’s statement said.
Opposition to cruise port grows
SSA Marine says the new cruise port would attract larger cruise ships that can’t fit under the Skyway Bridge, and would bring economic benefits to the region.
However, news of the proposal has already sparked public outcry. A petition started by concerned residents against the cruise port has over 10,000 supporters concerned about environmental impacts and quality of life.
The proposal also caught the attention of Robinson, a state representative for Florida’s 71st District, which includes Manatee County. Robinson Preserve in Manatee County is named after Robinson’s family.
“I cannot think of a worse place to put a cruise ship terminal. I’ve tried to build a legacy with my family with the Robinson Preserve on environmental protection and keeping things pristine for future generations. We are at a point now where there is a proposal that would disrupt that,” Robinson said in a Facebook post.
“Economic benefits do not factor in when there is a fundamental incompatibility between the location and a large-scale cruise operation. To me, this area is in no shape or measure compatible with cruise ships, so economic benefits don’t matter if it’s not compatible. It would permanently change the character of that area to our region’s detriment,” the post continued.
State Rep. Bill Conerly, who also represents part of Manatee County, weighed in against the cruise port proposal as well, arguing that cruise ship traffic could interfere with cargo deliveries at SeaPort Manatee.
“A proposed private cruise terminal in nearby Rattlesnake Key raises concerns about seasonal traffic surges, roadway congestion, infrastructure strain, and environmental impacts on sensitive coastal habitats,” reads part of a statement Conerly posted on Facebook. “Even if located outside the port, increased vessel activity and tourism-related traffic could conflict with SeaPort Manatee’s cargo-focused mission, making it most responsible to protect the port’s industrial purpose and avoid incompatible development.”
