Developers Propose Massive Cruise Port Near Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge
A partnership between SSA Marine and Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC has unveiled plans to construct a major cruise ship terminal on the seaward side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County, Florida. The proposed facility, located on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract, is designed to accommodate modern “mega-ships” that are currently too tall to pass beneath the landmark bridge’s 180-foot clearance. If approved, the project would significantly alter the region’s maritime infrastructure, allowing vessels like Royal Caribbean’s Icon class to dock at the mouth of Tampa Bay.
The development team estimates the project could generate approximately 31,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute nearly $1.6 billion in wages to the regional economy. To facilitate the development, SSA Marine recently acquired the adjacent 710-acre Rattlesnake Key, stating their intention to preserve that specific island as a conservation measure while focusing construction on the neighboring mainland tract. The developers argue that a port outside the bridge is essential for West Central Florida to remain competitive in the global cruise market, which is increasingly shifting toward larger vessels.
However, the proposal faces significant hurdles and intense opposition from environmental groups, local residents, and state legislators. Critics, including the non-profit Suncoast Waterkeeper, argue that dredging and industrializing the area would irreversibly damage the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a region critical for seagrass beds and marine wildlife. State Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Will Robinson have publicly expressed opposition, citing the area’s ecological sensitivity and previous unsuccessful efforts by the state to purchase the land for conservation.
Local concerns also extend to infrastructure and lifestyle impacts. Residents of the nearby Terra Ceia community worry about the strain on local roadways, specifically the potential for increased traffic congestion on Interstate 275. Anglers and business owners who rely on the pristine nature of the bay fear the industrial activity will degrade the local fishery and tourism appeal. The project is currently in the preliminary planning stages and will require rezoning approval from Manatee County commissioners, as well as permits from state and federal agencies, before any construction can begin.
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