Hey everyone, First off – THANK YOU. Your incredible support has pushed our Change.org petition to over 6,500 signatures! That's a powerful statement from our community that we will not let this environmentally sensitive area be sacrificed. Every signature, share, and conversation is making a real difference, and I truly appreciate everything you're doing to get the word out. On the backend, our team has been busy: we've been meeting with officials, experts, stakeholders, and anyone willing to listen. We're carefully weighing all our options and building a strong, fact-based strategy to protect this irreplaceable part of our bay. Here's what's coming next: - Big Public Meeting – We're planning a major open community meeting soon where we'll lay out the facts clearly: the serious environmental risks (to our mangroves, wildlife, manatees, fish nurseries, and water quality), the political landscape, and our proposed next steps. This will be a chance for everyone to ask questions, voice concerns, and unite. We'll announce the date, time, and location as soon as it's finalized – stay tuned! - Centralized Website Launch – Our new hub, www.protectterraceia.com will go live this weekend. It'll be the one-stop spot for all the key information: scientific/environmental reports, updates on developments, how to get involved, and more. No more scattered info – everything in one place. - Facebook Page Update – To streamline things and reach more people (the current page has great traction), we're rolling "Save Rattlesnake Key" into the more established Protect Our Bay group/page. I'll still be active there, and it'll make it easier to share updates and build momentum. Go like/follow it now if you haven't already! Recent Developments: - As many of you have seen in the news, SSA Marine and partners are pushing forward with plans for a major cruise port on the nearby Knott-Cowen tract (next to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge). This would bring huge ships, increased traffic, dredging, and other impacts to our fragile bay ecosystem. - Just last night, another proposal surfaced from K.C. Coastal for a resort/island destination tied to the cruise ports (on Eds Key or similar nearby areas). These projects keep piling up, threatening the same sensitive waters we all love for fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife. Our top priority right now: Stop House Bill 4073 from passing. This bill would restructure the Manatee County Port Authority as an independent special district, shifting control largely away from our local elected officials (reducing city/county input to just 1 vote while giving the state 4). If it passes, it could open the door for unchecked development at the port and nearby areas – exactly what we’re fighting against. This is the "nail in the coffin" if it goes through without strong opposition. We still have time to make our voices heard – contact your state representatives, attend upcoming meetings, and keep sharing the petition. Together, we can push for sustainable alternatives that protect our bay instead of risking it for short-term gains. Thank you again for standing with us. This fight is about preserving the last untouched slices of old Florida for our families, future generations, and the wildlife that calls it home. We're not backing down. Stay strong, Corey McKeever Creator, Save Rattlesnake Key Petition