A Manatee County official has reported incidents of threats and harassment directed at staff and their families over a proposed cruise ship port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The cruise operations company SSA Marine announced the project less than a month ago, but many residents are concerned about the potential environmental impacts and strain on infrastructure that the port might bring.
Charlie Bishop, the Manatee County Administrator, stated that some feedback has escalated to harassment, threats, and intimidation targeted at county workers and their families. He emphasized the unacceptability of such behavior, stating, "No county employee should be harassed for performing their professional duties. No child should ever be targeted because of where their parent works."
Despite preliminary discussions with the developer, Bishop noted that no formal application for the project has been submitted. He clarified that any proposed project must follow a customary development review process, including technical reviews and public hearings, which ensures community input.
The debate surrounding the cruise port has intensified, with public knowledge about the project limited to SSA Marine’s proposals regarding the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract. Bishop added that verbal threats had been reported both over the phone and in person, remarking that online comments have turned increasingly aggressive. He called for civility in discussions, reminding everyone that healthy debate is welcomed, but harassment and intimidation are not acceptable.
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