A well known marine developer says it will conserve Rattlesnake Key. Court settlements and the company’s record in other parts of the country have environmentalists in doubt.
SSA Marine sparked outrage last month when it announced plans to build a large cruise ship port in the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract—with promises of “conservation” for the 710-acre Rattlesnake Key, an undeveloped island adjacent to the tract just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County.
“We are at the beginning of engaging with the community to discuss our vision for the region which is rooted in the idea of protecting and conserving Rattlesnake Key, while creating long-term economic opportunities on the Knott-Cowen tract.” Sally Dee, a spokesperson for SSA Marine, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay in a statement…