Manatee’s Rich Maritime History: A New Cruise Terminal on the Horizon

A company is looking to develop a new cruise terminal in Manatee County, aiming to accommodate larger vessels. This initiative would be a revival of the area’s previous cruise operations, which had notably included the Regal Empress cruise ship that operated from Port Manatee between 1993 and 2003.

The Regal Empress initially thrived, with success reflected in an 86% profit increase shortly after its launch. However, its reputation suffered due to various incidents, notably running aground in 1996 during a voyage. The situation worsened when the ship was later chartered by the adult entertainment industry in 2001, leading to concerns from port officials. Subsequently, the Regal Empress shifted its departures to Tampa before ceasing operations entirely in 2003, leaving behind a debt of $350,000 to Port Manatee, which ultimately recovered only $55,000.

The current proposal involves SeaPort Manatee, which has predominantly focused on cargo shipping in recent years. The company, in partnership with Slip Knott LLC, aims to build a new cruise port on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen Tract near Terra Ceia. Their vision, as outlined by Stefano Borzone, president of SSA Marine’s Cruise Division, emphasizes enhancing West Central Florida’s role in the cruise industry while ensuring environmental preservation and creating vocational opportunities for the local community.

The new facility, named the "Knott-Cowen Cruise Port," is anticipated to allow larger ships that cannot pass under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which has a vertical clearance of 190 feet. Borzone has indicated that the port could generate approximately 31,000 jobs and raise labor earnings by $1.6 billion, underscoring the significance of aligning with the evolving demands of the cruise industry.

Furthermore, SSA Marine recently acquired Rattlesnake Key to protect it from potential commercial development, asserting a commitment to its conservation. Overall, the establishment of this new cruise terminal symbolizes a hopeful return for Manatee County to the cruise industry while addressing historical challenges faced by previous operators.

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