What’s really going on with Rattlesnake Key and the proposed cruise terminal near Port Manatee? In this episode of The Big Picture Manatee, we break down the facts, timelines, and political connections behind the Rattlesnake Key cruise port proposal. From environmental concerns and public access to economic development claims and behind-the-scenes legislative moves, this issue is far more complex than a single development project.
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nellmcphillips
Glad to see these folks discussing the subject but impacts are far beyond what was discussed. Yes preserving Rattlesnake Key is nice but is it in perpetuity? Why did the State purchase fall through when it has long been in the management plan for purchase for the Terra ceia Aquatic Preserve. Why did Boyd and Robinson who speak so fondly of the area now not push DEP to purchase and let the purchase fall through the cracks? Boyd and Robinson are as much to blame as DEP for not purchasing Rattlesnake Key in the first place. You don’t think the port supporters had a say? As Ms Corryea always says.,. “That’s interesting” What does the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve really mean as that is really where the cruise port is being proposed. Areas adjacent to the build site were previously purchased by SWFMD for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. And yes the proposed cruise port plan would impact critical habitat for the manatee. How about the impacts of dredging to those depending on the water for their livelihood. Impacts to shoreline erosion from removing submerged aquatic seagrass beds and mangroves. Even Rattlesnake Key could be adversely impacted by the proposed port. Certainly those that live in Terra Ceia will be less protected and susceptible to shoreline erosion. You have barely scratched the surface of the devastation this would cause to our Tampa Bay ecosystem. As for economics check out the backing of Blackstone and the fact that the Marine Company pushing this has a lobbyist working not just on the proposed port but also the change in port legislation to take away Manatee County’s part in Manatee Seaport. And lobbying with a DeSantis administration who can’t help themselves to take over county home rule by changing and creating legislation to make the building of this port easier and destroy our environment. You all need to dig deeper. You have a big knowledge gap to fill on this one.
Wednesday, February 4 Report this
Lawdavid3265
I agree. The entire Rattlesnake parcel needs to be purchased under Manatee County protection to keep it undeveloped and wild.Funding could be public/ private with such NGOs as Audubon and Nature Conservancy etc. Blackstone must realize that permission will never be given for development.
Thursday, February 5 Report this
sandy
The county did try to buy Rattlesnake Key. The state allocated $23M a few years ago and the county $3M. The owner wanted $75M. The appraisal came in at $7.5M, the state lowered their allotment to $8M. The owner wouldn't agree still wanting more and the deal fell through. DeSantis cut the line items of funding for everything requested by the county last year. So don't blame the county they tried but DeSantis screwed them but paid $84M for a lot smaller parcel in the Panhandle last year.
Thursday, February 5 Report this