For generations, the quiet waters of Terra Ceia have been a place where families fish together, dolphins surface beside skiffs, and mangroves protect Tampa Bay from storms and erosion. This stretch of coastline is one of the last remaining natural pockets of the estuary — and now it’s at risk.

SSA Marine and its partners are proposing to build a new cruise port on the Knott-Cowen tract, a more than 300-acre coastal area beside the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. To make this project possible, the land would need to be rezoned and altered, potentially paving over mangroves and wetlands that support redfish, shorebirds, and the broader health of Tampa Bay.

Florida has already lost tens of thousands of acres of wetlands in recent years, and Manatee County has been among the hardest hit. Once mangroves are dredged or filled, they are not easily replaced. These ecosystems filter our water, buffer our communities from hurricanes, and sustain a fishery that supports both local livelihoods and Florida’s outdoor heritage.

Many residents value a strong local economy and understand the role ports play in Florida’s growth. But growth does not have to come at the expense of irreplaceable natural resources. There are existing ports and already-developed areas that can support cruise activity without sacrificing a fragile estuary.

We are calling on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, the Manatee County Planning Commission, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to reject any rezoning, permits, or approvals that would allow a cruise port to be built on the Knott-Cowen tract or nearby sensitive islands. We also urge state leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis, to ensure Florida’s conservation laws are fully enforced in this decision.

This pocket of Florida is worth more than any single development — and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

Sign this petition to stand up for Tampa Bay, protect Terra Ceia, and demand that our leaders choose conservation over irreversible damage.