Rising Opposition to Proposed Cruise Ship Terminal South of Sunshine Skyway

Opposition is mounting against a proposed cruise ship terminal south of the Sunshine Skyway in Florida, with approximately 12,000 people signing a petition to oppose it. This plan, advocated by SSA Marine, aims to create a terminal at Terra Ceia to accommodate larger cruise ships that cannot pass under the nearby bridge to Port Tampa Bay or Seaport Manatee.

However, many local fishers, boaters, and environmental advocates argue that the terminal would significantly damage the area’s delicate ecosystem, particularly around ecologically sensitive areas such as Paradise Island and Rattlesnake Key. Corey McKeever, who runs a boat repair business in Bradenton, initiated the petition. He expressed concerns that a channel would need to be dredged to a depth of at least 50 feet, which could destroy vital seagrass habitats already in decline in Tampa Bay.

McKeever fears for his business and its impact on local fisheries, stating, "I’m going to either go out of business because of them or I’m going to die trying." He highlighted that the project could substantially disrupt fish nurseries, resulting in fewer opportunities for fishing and leisure boating. "There’ll be no fishing," he said, emphasizing the economic consequences on his livelihood.

SSA Marine claims the construction phase of the terminal could generate over 31,000 jobs statewide and regionally, boosting labor earnings by approximately $1.6 billion. They argue that cruise operations would also stimulate growth in related sectors, including hospitality and logistics.

In response to community concerns, a rally against the terminal’s construction is scheduled for February 14 at Seabreeze Park in Terra Ceia, indicating that local resistance to the plan continues to grow.

The situation remains dynamic as various stakeholders advocate for the preservation of the area’s environmental integrity while also considering economic opportunities linked to the cruise industry.

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