MANATEE COUNTY – Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC and cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine are exploring the development of a multi-berth cruise ship port in northwest Manatee County.
The proposed cruise port was announced last week in a statement posted at the knottcowencruise.com website. An online petition at Change.org that opposes the proposed cruise port has already garnered more than 5,400 signatures.
The proposed cruise port would be developed in northwest Manatee County on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract of land located north of Rattlesnake Key and seaward of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
“Slip Knott LLC is a holding company for the Tampa Bay Real Estate Investment Corporation, which purchased Rattlesnake Key, Knott-Cowen and other small properties in Tampa Bay,” the Knott-Cowen website says.
“Our new port will complement existing cruise activities in the region by being able to service the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge,” the Knott-Cowen statement says.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company (a subsidiary of SSA Marine) purchased the 724-acre Rattlesnake Key property from Cayo Cascabel LLC for $18 million on October 28.
“We recognize Rattlesnake Key is a treasured local community asset that has long been the subject of concern regarding potential future commercial development. Our intent in purchasing the property is to remove any possibility of private commercialization and ensure its conservation,” the Knott-Cowen statement says.
According to the Knott-Cowen website, the proposed cruise port is a privately financed investment led by SSA Marine.
“We estimate that the construction investment of this project will generate more than 31,000 jobs in industries both directly and indirectly related to the new port in the state and regional economy and boost labor earnings by approximately $1.6 billion,” the Knott-Cowen statement says. “Once in operation, we estimate the new port will support more than 13,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs and generate $40 million per year in tax revenue for the county and school district.”
The cruise port approval process will include public hearings conducted by the Manatee County Planning Commission and the Manatee County Commission.
“The project team will engage with all relevant local, state and federal stakeholders, as well as government agencies, at the appropriate stages to ensure successful implementation, regulatory compliance and the maximization of public benefits while minimizing community disruption,” the website says.
The website notes the cruise port, if approved, would take three to five years to build.
OPPOSITION PETITION
The online petition is circulating in opposition to the proposed cruise port.
The petition, www.change.org/SaveRattlesnakeKey, was started by Manatee County resident Corey McKeever and the petition description says, “Building a cruise ship port here threatens not only our cherished personal experiences but also the fragile ecosystems supporting countless wildlife species.
“Rattlesnake Key is a unique coastal ecosystem brimming with marine life. Seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and coral reefs thrive here, playing essential roles in supporting fish populations and protecting our shorelines.
“According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nearly 70% of Florida’s recreational and commercial fish species rely on these types of habitats at some point in their life cycles. Developing a cruise port could devastate these habitats, leading to irreversible damage to local fisheries,” the petition webpage says.
“Furthermore, the environmental impact of a cruise port is far-reaching. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that the average cruise ship emits the same volume of pollutants as a million cars daily. Our pristine waters are at risk of becoming polluted, jeopardizing water quality and public health.
“Join us in opposing the construction of a cruise ship port. Let’s stand together to protect our family’s swimming spots, fishing grounds and camping sites. Sign this petition to urge Manatee County officials to find alternative, more sustainable solutions for tourism development. We must act now before it’s too late. Preserve Rattlesnake Key for generations to come.”
As of Monday, Jan. 20, the petition had garnered more than 5,400 signatures.
A Facebook page, “Save Rattlesnake Key,” posted the following message: “Yard signs have been ordered! Be on the lookout for them around Manatee County. They will have a QR code that will take you directly to the petition. If there are any businesses that will allow a yard sign or a small sign in their window, please let us know.”
