No Cruise Port
SSA Marine, in partnership with Slip Knott LLC, submitted a proposal to Manatee County to develop a cruise port in South Tampa Bay just north of Rattlesnake Key. The partners purchased a 328-acre parcel for the construction of the facility. The site borders a pristine, shallow-water ecosystem defined by thriving seagrass beds, mangrove habitat, and abundant game fish, one of the last largely untouched coastal areas remaining in greater Tampa Bay.
The proposal includes dredging waters north of Rattlesnake Key, removing mud, sand, and seagrass, and severely disrupting the surrounding estuary. This type of disturbance will degrade water quality, damage critical fish habitat and permanently alter the natural character of the area. The proposal is situated along pristine, shallow-water areas that feature lush seagrass, mangroves and game fish. The area of Miguel Bay and Rattlesnake Key are some of Florida’s best and most untouched areas within Manatee County.
CCA Florida, the state’s leading marine fisheries conservation organization with nearly 20,000 members, supports responsible access and sustainable use of Florida’s waters, but strongly opposes the commercialization of this sensitive habitat. We are committed to working with Manatee County and the State of Florida to prevent this project from moving forward and to ensure this area remains protected.
CCA Florida will continue to monitor the proposal, and we will keep our members notified with any further updates.
UPDATE – February 4, 2026
CRUISE PORT UPDATE! RAPID RESPONSE PERMITTING STATUS GRANTED
Manatee County has given the SSA Marine/Slip-Knott Cruise Port Proposal, code named Project Explorer, Rapid Response status for expedited permitting.
IMMEDIATE respectful and active communication with the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is needed, as Project Explorer is now part of a permitting process intended to move quickly.
Please read the Rapid Response letter in its entirety here: https://bit.ly/CruisePort1.
Contact the Manatee County Commissioners to urge opposition of the proposed cruise port! Commissioners contact info is listed below.
TAKE ACTION: Contact your Manatee County Commissioners:
Carol Ann Felts- carolann.felts@mymanatee.org
Amanda Ballard- amanda.ballard@mymanatee.org
Tal Siddique- tal@mymanatee.org
Mike Rahn- mike.rahn@mymanatee.org
Dr. Bob McCann- drbob.mccann@mymanatee.org
Jason Bearden- jason.bearden@mymanatee.org
George Kruse- george.kruse@mymanatee.org
