TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A bill that would limit dredging and the filling-in of a Manatee County aquatic preserve is headed to the governor’s desk, potentially derailing plans for a controversial new cruise port.
Details: The Florida House voted unanimously to pass S.B. 302 on Monday, which would restrict dredging and filling in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve unless it’s in the public interest or for the health of the preserve. Dredging and filling is also allowed for boating infrastructure like marinas, piers and docks, but only if the project doesn’t harm the preserve’s water quality.
The legislation seems aimed at blocking the construction of a new cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which locals and environmental groups have said could devastate the preserve’s seagrass beds, swaths of mangroves and sensitive wildlife habitats.
“It is one of the most pristine areas in our state,” said state Rep. William Cloud Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton). “And we don’t need mega cruise ships in this area.”
