DeSantis Signs Bill Blocking Proposed Cruise Port In Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a pair of bills into law on Thursday, including one that blocks a proposed cruise port in Manatee County.

At an event held in Bradenton, the governor signed SB 302, which protects the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve from being developed into a cruise ship terminal near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

"(This bill) will build on the results we’ve already seen from our investments in coastal resiliency and help restore wetlands, oyster reefs and mangroves," DeSantis said in a statement. "Florida is blessed with a beautiful coastline and natural environment, and my administration is committed to protecting the God-given treasures of our state."

DeSantis also signed a second bill that streamlines environmental rulemaking to protect natural resources in Florida. The new laws go into effect on July 1.

In January, Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC filed plans with Manatee County to develop a port for the Knott-Cowen Tract, a 328-acre piece of land bordering the north and south sides of Interstate 275 just east of the bridge, the Bradenton Herald reported.

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A website promoting the development said a new port would "complement existing cruise activities in the region by being able to accommodate the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge."

Developers estimated that the project would bring more than 13,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs to the area and generate $40 million annually in tax revenue for the county and school district.

However, residents were concerned about the proposed project's environmental impact.

“Bringing in a large-scale industrial facility ... would certainly raise concerns for our water quality, critical habitat for fish and wildlife, and the recreational value for residents and tourists in the Tampa Bay community that depend on a healthy estuary,” Peter Clark, president and founder of the restoration nonprofit Tampa Bay Watch, told the Tampa Bay Times.

A Change.org petition started by Manatee County resident Cory McKeever opposing the project also garnered more than 19,400 signatures.

At Thursday's event, DeSantis said he believed the construction of a new port "struck a lot of people as unnecessary," WFLA reported.

“There’s not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve, especially given that Tampa Bay is already home to three deep-water ports, including SeaPort Manatee right here in Manatee County," DeSantis said.

The governor also announced that a new fishing pier will be constructed in Manatee County near the Skyway Bridge, according to WFLA, and that the existing fishing pier on the Pinellas County side will be improved to extend its lifetime for another 20 years.