Sunshine Skyway Bridge by Sean Pavone via iStock for WMNF News.
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A bill passed in the legislature on Monday may be a win for environmental advocates around Tampa Bay.
The bill that could halt the development of a controversial mega cruise port in Manatee County is now on the governor’s desk for approval.
Senate Bill 302 ensures coastal resiliency protections.
It would halt dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, except for certain reasons. That would be a roadblock for a potential cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County.
Manatee County Republican Representative Will Robinson Jr. called it one of the more important environmental bills in the entire session.
“I fish there, I fished there as a kid. My nephews fish there. It is one of the most pristine areas in our state, and we don’t need mega cruise ships in this area.” Rep. Robinson said.
SSA Marine wants to build a new cruise port that would take in ships that can’t fit under the bridge.
The massive cruise ship proposal has drawn significant pushback, with hundreds rallying at protests and thousands signing petitions against it.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now needs to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, something that longtime Manatee County resident Bob Reguzzoni hopes will happen soon.
“Sign this bill as soon as possible, and do it for the sake of the state, and for your legacy and the legacy of everybody that’s involved in this,” Reguzzoni told WMNF.