BRADENTON – During Thursday’s press conference held at the Pier 22 restaurant in Bradenton, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the dredging prohibitions contained in Senate Bill 302 and the matching companion bill recently adopted by the Florida House of Representatives.
During the March 19 press conference, DeSantis, FDEP Secretary Alexis Lambert, State Senator Jim Boyd and State Representative Will Robinson Jr. each said the new state law will prevent the dredging needed to construct and operate the proposed Knott-Cowen cruise port in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve near Rattlesnake Key and The Sunshine Skyway. The new state law will take effect on July 1.
The press conference was streamed at the Florida Channel website and can be viewed using the link below. DeSantis began speaking about the cruise port and signing SB 0302 at the 7:24 mark of the video. Lambert, Boyd and Robinson also spoke during the press conference.
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) filed an amendment to Senate Bill302 that if fully adopted might make it more challenging to do the dredging needed to accommodate a proposed Knott-Cowen Cruise Port in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.
Boyd filed his amendment on Feb. 18. The following day, the Florida Senate voted 38-0 in favor of adding that additional language to the previously filed Senate bill.
As of mid-day Monday, Feb. 23, a similar amendment had not been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives. Without a matching bill supported by the House, the Senate bill, as now amended, would fail to become new state law. The Florida Legislature’s 2026 legislative session is scheduled to end on March 13.
The Florida Senate website lists House Bill 1035 as the rebill to SB 302. As of Feb. 23, the most recent amendment to the House Bill occurred on Feb. 16, and that amendment was not similar to Boyd’s amendment.
In January, Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC and cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine announced they were exploring the development of a multi-berth cruise ship port in northwest Manatee County on the Knott-Cowen tract of land near Rattlesnake Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
That announcement was met with petitions, protests and significant public backlash against the proposed cruise port that has not yet been subjected to any public hearings as part of the permitting process that would entail the Manatee County Commission at some point.
THE AMENDMENT
Boyd’s senate-supported amendment says, “No further dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve shall be approved or tolerated by the board except:
“(a) Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be authorized for public navigation projects or for such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be constituted as a public necessity.
“(b) Such other alteration of physical conditions, including the placement of riprap, as may be necessary to enhance the quality and utility of the preserve.
“(c) Such dredging as is necessary for the purpose of eliminating conditions hazardous to the public health or for the purpose of eliminating stagnant waters, islands and spoil banks, the dredging of which would enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality and utility of the preserve and be clearly in the public interest as determined by the board.
“(d) Such minimum dredging and filling as may be authorized for the creation and maintenance of marinas, public boat ramps, piers and docks, and their attendant navigation channels and access roads. Such projects may be authorized only upon a specific finding by the board that there is assurance that the project will be constructed and operated in a manner that will not adversely affect the water quality and utility of the preserve. This paragraph may not be construed to authorize the connection of upland canals to the waters of the preserve.
“Any dredging and filling pursuant to paragraph (a), paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) shall be approved by the board only after public notice as provided,” the amendment says.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “The boundary of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve starts at the south end of Port Manatee and extends out into Tampa Bay. The preserve extends as far south as Emerson Point, on the northern bank of the Manatee River. Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve includes several embayments such as Terra Ceia Bay and Bishop Harbor, along with tidal creeks like Frog Creek and McMullen Creek.”
SB 302
SB 302 addresses “Coastal Resiliency.” According to the bill summary listed at the Florida Senate website, the bill addresses “Prohibiting the board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund from approving the dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve unless such dredging and filling occurs for certain reasons; authorizing certain dredging and filling of submerged lands and placement of certain shorelines and seawalls within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve; authorizing the erection of certain structures within aquatic preserves; requiring the Department of Environmental Protection, by a specified date, to develop guidelines and standards for nature-based methods to address coastal resiliency and to adopt rules, subject to legislative ratification, for a statewide permitting process for such coastal resiliency, etc.”
In that blog, Siddique wrote, “This amendment would enshrine additional protections for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve to limit large-scale dredge & fill projects – the kind a certain cruise terminal project would use.”
Regarding SB 302 as a whole, Siddique wrote, “SB 302 began its life, in my view, as a great piece of legislation creating a statewide framework for how Florida can use nature-based solutions to improve coastal resilience. Projects such as mangrove replanting and living shorelines would be formalized in state statutes and grant funding would be provided through the Resilient Florida Grant Program. This issue focuses on the Aquatic Preserve, the amended language, and how you can advocate for it.”
When asked about the potential impact Boyd’s amendment might have on the cruise port, Siddique said, “What will be interesting though is whether the bulkhead rights become preempted by this legislation or not. Those rights predate any aquatic protections. Attorneys and a court would have to decide that.”
MANATEE COUNTY – County staff is reportedly being subjected to harassment and threats related to a proposed cruise terminal project near Rattlesnake Key.
In a Feb. 4 email distributed to media members, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan wrote, “There has been great interest in a proposal submitted to Manatee County outlining plans for a cruise port on the Gulf side of the Skyway Bridge. That interest has sparked robust discussion, debate and disagreement. Unfortunately, some of that disagreement has spilled over the typical settings of social media posting or petition signing.”
Logan’s email included a message from Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop: “Manatee County values civic engagement and respects the right of residents to express their views on matters that affect our community. It has come to my attention that multiple county employees, as well as members of their families, including children, are being subjected to harassment, threats and intimidation related to a proposed private-sector cruise terminal project in the very early stages of review.”
Bishop said no county employee should be harassed for doing their job and no child should be targeted because of where their parent works.
Bishop’s statement did not specify which employees or which departments were being subjected to “harassment and intimidation.”
Bishop also clarified the approval process for projects such as the proposed cruise port.
“As part of routine economic development operations, county staff may send preliminary letters to private-sector entities that meet basic statutory criteria indicating that a project is eligible for economic development incentive programs,” he wrote. “Consistent with Chapters 288, 163 and 125 (of) Florida Statutes, this administrative correspondence does not constitute project approval, guarantee funding or advance a project through the development review process.”
Bishop stated any proposed project must proceed through the normal development review process that includes technical review, review for code and regulation compliance and public hearings before advisory boards and the Board of County Commissioners when required.
“These processes are public and provide multiple opportu nities for community input,” Bishop stated. “County staff do not approve projects. The Board of County Commission ers is the ultimate decision-making body for discretionary land use matters.”
By now, most of you are probably aware of the proposed cruise port that would be adjacent to Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.
This port, as it is envisioned, would handle the new class of cruise ships that are not able to sail under the Skyway Bridge. With a clearance of between 175 and 190 feet, depending on the tide, passing under this bridge is awe-inspiring. The thought that ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, at almost 250 feet tall, would be diverted to rest at port just north of this vital preserve boggles the imagination.
I’ve fished these waters for almost four decades and regularly take friends and guests there to show them what I consider the best of Manatee County’s many unique natural resources.
Rattlesnake Key was recently purchased by SSA Marine, through a subsidiary called the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company, ostensibly “to preserve the island’s natural character and keep it in long term conservation for public enjoyment,” according to a company statement. In my opinion, it appears the real reason was to help justify the destruction that will be required to build the port they are proposing.
How we got here in the first place strikes me as very suspicious. Had Rattlesnake Key been protected prior to this proposal, all this would have become a moot point.
In 2022, in partnership with State Rep. Will Robinson Jr., Senator Jim Boyd secured $23 million in state funding with the goal of purchasing Rattlesnake Key. The sale then failed due to a low appraisal by the state.
As Boyd notes in a recent opinion piece, “Buying the property would have forever prevented development, ensuring its protection for generations to come.”
In 2024, they tried again with state funding and a commitment from Manatee County. This failed again due to the disparity between a low state appraisal and the asking price of the 700-acre property.
The state’s recent purchase of four acres in Destin for $38 million, and a state appraisal that justified it, raise serious questions in my mind about how we value land in Florida and the politics that can influence these decisions.
The state values land partly due to its development potential, which in this case shows how that system is flawed. Originally purchased for approximately $8 million in 2016-2017, there have been questions raised about the prior owner’s political donations.
The opposition to the port proposal has been broad and swift, but I worry that deep pockets and political influence might affect the final decision.
Manatee County’s future depends on the natural resources that define and draw visitors and residents to our county. The long-term health of our natural resources and their connection to our economy cannot be overstated.
People travel to and settle in this area because of the natural coastal beauty of the places we’ve preserved – like Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve, Robinson Preserve and Emerson Point.
In my opinion, the development of a cruise port near Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve would be a travesty that would degrade this rare coastal habitat and be a long-term negative for our economy.
It’s important that we stay on top of this unfolding story. Attend meetings to express your opinion, write letters to decision makers, sign petitions and join and support organizations like Tampa Bay Waterkeepers and Suncoast Waterkeeper who will be leading the fight against this misguided proposal.
MANATEE COUNTY – State and local lawmakers reacted to the proposed development of a cruise ship terminal in northwest Manatee County on the Knott-Cowen tract of land located north of Rattlesnake Key and seaward of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The proposed cruise port, a collaboration between cruise ship terminal operator SSA Marine and Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC, was recently announced on the knottcowencruise. com website.
On Friday, Jan. 23, State Rep. Will Robinson expressed his opposition in a message he posted shared at his personal Facebook page.
“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,” he wrote.
“To me, this area is in no shape or measure compatible with cruise ships, so economic benefits don’t matter if they’re not compatible. It would permanently change the character of that area to our region’s detriment,” Robinson stated.
SEAPORT MANATEE
On Jan. 23, Florida Senate President Jim Boyd shared on his Facebook page a statement from the Manatee County Legislative Delegation about House Bill 4073 – legislation that pertains to Manatee County’s governance of SeaPort Manatee. That bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Conerly, sought to restructure the Manatee County Port Authority into an independent district.
Since it opened as Port Manatee on county-owned land in 1970, Port Manatee (now SeaPort Manatee) has primarily been utilized by cargo ships. But Regal Cruises did sail from the cruise terminal’s Berth 9 from 1993 to 2003, according to the SeaPort Manatee website.
“We support the conversation of an independent board to govern and advance a long-term vision for SeaPort Manatee. 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 public accountability. We believe that the filed HB 4073 was well-intentioned. During the Manatee County Delegation hearing, we requested that the public reach out to us with their concerns as the bill progressed through the legislative process. Many of you have contacted our offices, and we appreciate your input,” the delegation’s statement says.
The Rattlesnake Key property is southwest of the Knott-Cowen property. – Manatee County Property Appraiser
“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. 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.”
The delegation stated its goal is to protect the coastal lands along Tampa Bay.
“It is also important to set the record straight on 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,” the delegation’s statement said.
The delegation’s statement notes there were previous attempts made to purchase the property for conservation.
“In 2022, we successfully secured $23 million in state funding to purchase the property for conservation. Unfortunately, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) did not approve the purchase based on the FDEP appraisal,” the delegation’s statement says.
“In 2024, we again secured approximately $8 million, with the county prepared to contribute additional funds, but negotiations fell apart when the property owner believed the land was worth more. The property has since been sold to a private entity, which is now pursuing a cruise terminal,” the statement says.
“There will be no commercial development or construction on Rattlesnake Key. The intended purpose of the acquisition is to protect its wetlands, wildlife habitat and the natural character of the property in perpetuity,” the Knott-Cowen Cruise website says of the property owned by its subsidiary entity, Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company LLC
MORE REACTION
Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing captain Scott Moore said, “We need Manatee County to buy that Rattlesnake Key property and the Knott-Cowen property too. And the other counties, Hillsborough and Pinellas, need to help because they use that land and that estuary too. We also need the state to help, and we need to revisit this.”
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique represents District 3, which includes Anna Maria Island. He’s now gathering information from environmental groups about the potential impact of a cruise port.
“I’ve reached out to both Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Tampa Bay Estuary Program to get some data-driven input on what the environmental impact could be. There will be environmental impact,” Siddique said.
He said his position is “neutral” on the proposed cruise ship port.
“Right now, it’s just in the pre-application stages,” he said.
Siddique characterized the economic benefit of the port as “incalculable.”
“I know in my district, many businesses are struggling,” he said.
Siddique also addressed the withdrawal of HB 4073.
“I’m on the board of Port Manatee and I want to stress, this (proposed cruise port) is distinct from that bill (HB 4073),” Siddique said.
MANATEE COUNTY – The Coquina North Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach will be renamed the Captain Scott Moore Boat Ramp in honor of longtime Holmes Beach resident and well-known fishing guide and charter captain Scott Moore.
During the May 14 Manatee County Commission meeting, Moore gave a short presentation about the condition of the area’s local fisheries and the importance of preserving mangroves as fish habitats and breeding grounds.
After the presentation, Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge surprised Moore by proposing the county attorney’s office draft a county resolution that, when adopted, will result in the Coquina North Boat Ramp being renamed in Moore’s honor. The nearby Coquina South Boat Ramp will be renamed as Coquina Boat Ramp.
MOORE PRESENTATION
When introducing Moore, Van Ostenbridge said, “He’s 50 years on the water and there’s no better expert.”
“He’s a legend,” Commission Chair Mike Rahm added.
As he began his presentation, Moore said, “Despite recent challenges with red ride, Piney Point issues and freezes, I’m pleased to report that our fish populations are recovering. There are reasons for this recovery and I’d like to highlight the crucial role that the mangroves play in our area.
‘Captain’ Scott Moore is a fishing guide, charter captain, conservationist, educator and more. – Scott Moore | Submitted
“Throughout the years, decisions made by past commissioners and present regarding the preservation of mangrove areas such as Robinson Preserve and Emerson Preserve have significantly enhanced our fisheries. The leaf litter from the mangroves is essential for nurturing fish populations. The leaf litter that comes from them is so important, and it also affects our fishery inshore and offshore, both recreationally and commercially. Protecting these mangrove habitats is paramount to sustaining our fisheries. It’s the most important thing that we have,” Moore said.
“While we still face water quality issues – and those solutions I’ll leave up to the scientists – safeguarding our mangroves is a step in the right direction. One particular area I want to emphasize is Rattlesnake Key, a vital fish-producing region,” Moore said.
Moore noted that in the Tampa Bay area, the waters at Emerson Point have historically been a significant area for snook to spawn and preserving those mangroves has benefitted the area’s snook population and assisted in its recovery.
“Snooks really got hit. We had a freeze (in 2015) and it took out a lot of fish. It takes years. You have recruitment in these fish populations and it takes time for this to happen,” he said, also noting the past impacts of red tide.
He said the fish population would not have recovered as well without the mangroves and fish habitats available at Emerson Point Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.
“Robinson Preserve is a big producer of redfish because of the inner shore area we have now,” he said, noting that Robinson Preserve serves as an important fish habitat and breeding area in addition to being a great place to bicycle, hike and enjoy other recreational activities.
Rattlesnake Key is located near the Sunshine Skyway. – Google Maps | Submitted
Moore has long been a proponent of the state and/or county buying Rattlesnake Key and designating it as a park and preservation area.
In 2022, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis earmarked $23 million to purchase the 671-acre island known as Rattlesnake Key and designate the property as a state park, with Manatee County contributing an additional $3 million to purchase the land. To date, that sale has not materialized and the earmarked state funds are scheduled to expire in June. In April, the corporate owners of the Rattlesnake Key property and several surrounding properties collectively listed those properties for sale for $75 million.
Despite the decreasing likelihood that the state will buy Rattlesnake Key, Moore remains hopeful.
“Rattlesnake Point is a huge area that produces fish commercially and recreationally,” he said. “As you drive south across the (Sunshine) Skyway entering Manatee County, what are you going to see? You’re going to see Rattlesnake Key. Consider the legacy we leave for generations to come. We need to preserve that.”
After noting that he’s a “little disappointed” with the state regarding the Rattlesnake Key purchase, Moore said, “Use our money wisely, but we want that done if you can do it.”
RENAMING BOAT RAMP
After Moore’s presentation, Van Ostenbridge noted that in addition to being a legendary fishing guide, Moore serves on fishery committees, has formed partnerships with scientists and other fishermen, has spent many hours educating local students about the importance of conservation and has “enlightened countless individuals on the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the delicate balance of marine life.”
Van Ostenbridge noted Moore founded the Coastal Conservation Association in the 1980s and still sits on that board. He also said he’s earned many awards and honors in recognition of his work – including a $3 million donation that philanthropists Carol and Barney Barnett made to the Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory in Moore’s name.
“We could go on and on and on for all the things that he has done for this county and the local waters around here. If there’s ever a person that was going to be memorialized or remembered for their contributions in their specific field and specific industry, I think Capt. Moore is somebody who deserves that kind of recognition,” Van Ostenbridge said.
The North Coquina Boat Ramp will soon have a new name. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Out at Coquina, we have two boat ramps; one’s called Coquina North and one’s called Coquina South. I always thought that was kind of silly, so I move that we direct the county attorney’s office to draft a resolution for this board to name the Coquina North Boat Ramp the Captain Scott Moore Boat Ramp and the Coquina South Boat Ramp the Coquina Boat Ramp, Van Ostenbridge said.
In response, the surprised Moore said, “Wow. Thank you so much.”
Rahm seconded Van Ostenbridge’s motion and the commission voted unanimously in favor of having a resolution drafted that sets the renaming efforts in motion.
In closing Rahm said, “Thank you so much for what you do for our community.”
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