MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – Multiple organizations gathered at Seabreeze Park today for a Save the Bay rally to voice opposition to a proposed cruise ship port near Rattlesnake Key.
The rally aimed to educate the community about environmental impacts and open conversations about the proposed development. Eight speakers addressed concerns about the 328-acre project targeted by developers.
Tom Glancy, an environmental specialist with The Village Improvement Association, described potential environmental damage from the project.
“The increased siltation and turbidity that would constantly happen from running these ships in and out and the immense dredging that would have to be done just to create a four and a half mile long channel,” Glancy said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Community rally opposing cruise ship port proposal set for Saturday
Glancy said the project threatens a fragile ecosystem that has been protected for decades.
“When you have the potential to lose as much sea grass and marsh and oyster habitats as we have out here that would be just swallowed up by this project, it never comes back,” he said.
Slip Knott LLC bought the land last December. The company says the port would create an economic boom for Manatee County.
Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA, said the port would benefit cruise passengers through increased competition and options.
“It creates more competition among cruise lines which can lead to more competitive pricing but it also creates more variety, more ship options, departure dates, diverse itineraries,” Jenkins said.
Manatee County officials emphasize the project is still in an early stage of review.
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