Note: Donations made through Change.org petitions go directly to Change.org and are not accessible to local organizers or groups. Protect Rattlesnake Key, Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, and the Entire Tampa Bay Watershed  Rattlesnake Key and the surrounding Terra Ceia Bay area form a critical cornerstone of Florida's coastal heritage. This region boasts pristine seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and shallow estuarine habitats that serve as essential nursery grounds for fish, shellfish, manatees, and countless other species. These interconnected ecosystems are foundational: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), nearly 70% of Florida's recreational and commercial fish species depend on such estuarine and coastal habitats at some point in their life cycles. The Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve stands as one of Florida's most environmentally sensitive protected areas, supporting biodiversity, stabilizing shorelines, filtering water, and sustaining the broader health of Tampa Bay. The proposed Knott-Cowen Cruise Port—on adjacent lands near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge—would cause direct and severe harm to Rattlesnake Key and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve through dredging, mangrove removal, increased industrial activity, vessel wakes, and habitat fragmentation. But the damage would not stop there: This development would ripple across the entire Tampa Bay watershed. Tampa Bay's estuaries and connected waterways—including Terra Ceia Bay, Sarasota Bay, and beyond—are highly linked. Cruise ship operations and port construction introduce widespread risks such as:
- Pollution from ship emissions (an average large cruise ship can emit pollutants equivalent to a million cars daily, per EPA studies), wastewater discharges, and runoff.
- Dredging and turbidity that degrade water quality, smother seagrass beds, and disrupt fish nurseries far into the bay.
- Increased vessel traffic causing noise, prop wash, sediment resuspension, and threats to wildlife like manatees.
- Irreversible ecosystem strain that jeopardizes fisheries, public health, recreational use, and the economic value of a healthy bay for tourism, fishing, and boating. While tourism drives our local economy, sustainable and low-impact alternatives exist to support growth without sacrificing these irreplaceable natural assets. We call for responsible development that protects rather than endangers our shared waters. Join the movement to oppose this destructive project.

Sign the petition urging Manatee County officials, state agencies, and decision-makers to reject the cruise port proposal and prioritize truly sustainable solutions for the region. 

Note: Donations made through Change.org petitions go directly to Change.org and are not accessible to local organizers or groups. No Donations!

Connect and Stay Involved
- Like and follow Save Rattlesnake Key on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Save-Rattlesnake-Key-61586820267958. 

The health of Rattlesnake Key, Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, and the entire Tampa Bay depends on collective action now—before irreversible damage occurs. Sign, share, donate, and stand together to preserve our waters for future generations.