The Brief
- A proposed cruise terminal south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County is drawing organized opposition, even though the project is still in its early stages.
- More than 200 people gathered at Sea Breeze Park on Valentine’s Day in opposition of the proposal and learned about potential environmental, economic and traffic impacts.
- The developer, SSA Marine, has only submitted a pre-application, and no vote or public hearing is scheduled yet.
TERRA CEIA, Fla. – Residents and environmental advocates are mobilizing early as plans for a possible cruise terminal near Terra Ceia Bay are sparking debate about growth, conservation and the future of local waterways.
Big picture view:
Developer SSA Marine is exploring plans to transform the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract, located southwest of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, into a cruise terminal designed to handle ships too large to pass under the bridge.
A newly formed group, the Terra Ceia VIA Stewardship Committee, is leading opposition efforts. The group hosted its first public rally at Sea Breeze Park, where organizers said more than 200 people attended to discuss possible impacts to the area’s environment and infrastructure.…