MANATEE COUNTY — Public backlash seems to have only intensified after SSA Marine announced its intention to explore developing a private cruise port at the southern end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, near the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Manatee County officials said last week that public discourse had escalated to the point of “harassment, threats, and intimidation” directed toward staff and their families, including children.
As residents struggle to understand the process and progress of an announced proposed project that carries significant economic, ecological, environmental, and perhaps even cultural considerations for both the immediate area and the greater surrounding region, the local government reports that some of this concern and confusion has turned into panic and anger directed at county staff.
“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…. This is unacceptable,” County Administrator Charlie Bishop said in an official statement on Wednesday…