Community Pushback Against Proposed Cruise Port Near Tampa: Environmental Concerns Rise

Proposed Cruise Port Near Tampa Faces Growing Opposition

Tampa, FL — Just a week after the announcement of the Knott-Cowen Cruise Port, a proposed facility designed to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, a grassroots movement is emerging to block the project. Residents and business owners in Manatee County have launched a petition on Change.org, rallying against the construction of a multi-berth terminal on Rattlesnake Key, citing environmental concerns and potential strain on local infrastructure.

The Knott-Cowen tract, a 328-acre site located just north and east of Rattlesnake Key, was pitched as a “game-changer” for the region. Its strategic location on the Gulf side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge would allow large vessels, which are currently unable to navigate under the bridge’s 190-foot clearance, to dock directly in Tampa Bay. Proponents argue that this would reduce fuel costs and streamline navigation for cruise ships.

However, the very features that make the site appealing for large ships have raised alarms among local residents. The proposed port is adjacent to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and Rattlesnake Key, areas known for their delicate ecosystems. Timothy, a local fishing guide and signer of the petition, expressed his concerns: “This would be absolutely devastating to Tampa Bay. It is the last shoreline that is undeveloped in Manatee County and it should stay that way.”

Many petitioners fear that the influx of tourists and cruise ships would exacerbate existing traffic issues in the area. “I fish this area weekly; this is a quiet area of Old Florida,” said another local resident. “Manatee County is not going to add roads or fix the roads that we already have to accommodate that many people.”

Despite the pushback, SSA Marine, the developer behind the project, emphasizes its commitment to conservation. In late 2025, the company purchased the 710-acre Rattlesnake Key for $18 million, intending to use it as a “natural buffer” to protect the surrounding environment. Stefano Borzone, president of SSA Marine’s Cruise Division, stated that the introduction of newer, low-emission vessels would help modernize the industry in a more sustainable manner.

As of now, the petition has garnered over 5,000 verified signatures, but the project remains in its early planning stages. Manatee County officials have confirmed that no formal development application has been submitted, meaning that environmental impact studies, traffic evaluations, and public hearings are still on the horizon.

For those opposing the cruise port, the urgency is clear. Organizing through social media platforms like Facebook and GoFundMe, they are rallying support to “Save Rattlesnake Key” and urging local officials to explore alternative avenues for tourism growth that do not jeopardize the region’s natural beauty.

As the debate unfolds, the future of the Knott-Cowen Cruise Port hangs in the balance, with both sides passionately advocating for their vision of Tampa Bay’s future.