DeSantis Blocks Cruise Terminal Plan, Signs Bills To Protect Coastline

Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills Thursday that halt a proposed cruise ship terminal in Manatee County. The laws also strengthen safeguards for Florida's coast. Developers can no longer build a deepwater port in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Senate Bill 302 bans dredging. It bans filling of underwater lands within the preserve. The measure limits usage to passive recreation like fishing and boating. Any changes to the preserve must now pass through a state-level approval process. House Bill 1417 eliminates the Environmental Regulation Commission and shifts rulemaking power to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

"There's not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve, especially given that Tampa Bay is already home to three deepwater ports, including Seaport Manatee right here in Manatee County," DeSantis said at a press conference in Bradenton, according to Tampa Bay 28.

SSA Marine had proposed turning Rattlesnake Key into a cruise terminal. The plan would accommodate larger vessels. SSA Marine bought the 710-acre property and claimed the project would create more than 31,000 jobs in industries tied to the port.

Representative Will Robinson voiced strong opposition. "I cannot think of a worse place in Florida for a mega-cruise ship terminal to be than in Terra Ceia," Robinson said.

Justin Tramble with Tampa Bay Waterkeeper praised the decision. "The Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve has such significant ecological value to the Tampa Bay estuary," Tramble said. "It's hard to understate the negative impacts that a cruise port being dropped into that area would have."

Senate Bill 302 also expands the use of nature-based coastal restoration methods. These include wetland rehabilitation, oyster reef restoration, and mangrove expansion. State officials say these approaches can reduce erosion and lessen storm surge risks.

The governor announced plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers after reconstruction work finishes. A new pier will be built on the Manatee County side, and the existing Pinellas County side will be improved and extended. Early phases include upgrades to parking areas. Crews will add wider sidewalks along the seawall.

The new laws take effect July 1.