The recent announcement that a cruise port developer is in the initial planning phase to develop a major port near the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve has generated considerable local opposition. And while such a project would face considerable challenges, given our local ordinances and existing state policies, citizens correctly point out that past acquiescence and increasing state preemption are reasons for the community to express skepticism when told, Don’t worry, it ain’t gonna happen anyway.
The best assurance at this point would be for our local representatives in Tallahassee to cure this legislatively during the current session. The county’s comprehensive land use plan already prohibits dredging or filling within the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve (with narrow exceptions for stormwater outfalls/restoration and limited access). Adding an amendment to an existing bill in this year’s session that provides a geographic restriction for new dredging in the Terra Ceia/lower Tampa Bay area would, as they say, nip this in the bud.
SB 1422/HB 1319 “Surface Waters/Coral Reefs” (dredge & fill permit standards) already contains language addressing dredging and filling permits. A geographic prohibition for “no new navigation-channel dredging/turning basins for cruise vessels within/adjacent to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve” could easily be added via amendment…