SEN. JIM BOYD, DISTRICT 20 “I don’t think that’s a good idea at all. That would destroy the coastline there, the pristine coastline that we enjoy. That was precisely why I got the money allocated, and we tried to make it possible to buy that property and preserve it for generations to come.” “I’m not in favor of that proposal at all. I would do my best to dissuade those who are considering that. There’s got to be a better place for a port like that than Manatee County on the south side of the Skyway Bridge,” he said.
REP. WILL ROBINSON, DISTRICT 71 “Gravely Concerned.” “I’ve tried to build a legacy with my family with the Robinson Preserve on environmental protection and keeping things pristine for future generations. We are at a point now where there is a proposal that would disrupt that.” “To me, this area is in no shape or measure compatible with cruise ships, so economic benefits don’t matter if it’s not compatible. It would permanently change the character of that area to our region’s detriment.”
REP. WILLIAM CONERLY, DISTRICT 72 “A proposed private cruise terminal in nearby Rattlesnake Key raises concerns about seasonal traffic surges, roadway congestion, infrastructure strain, and environmental impacts on sensitive coastal habitats. Even if located outside the port, increased vessel activity and tourism-related traffic could conflict with SeaPort Manatee’s cargo-focused mission, making it most responsible to protect the port’s industrial purpose and avoid incompatible development.”
MANATEE CO. COMMISSION CHAIR TAL SIDDIQUE “We want to let the process play out, when I became Chair, and I delivered my State of the Chair address, I focused on economic development as one of my priorities.”
“This is a project coming at an interesting time, where it is a project that could have meaningful positive effects on our economy. I hear from businesses all over my district that say they have been suffering because of a slowdown in tourism. On the flip side, if this project moves forward, it would have a significant impact on the environment. There’s no question about that.”
KRISTEN TRUONG, CANDIDATE D71 “As a lifelong Manatee County resident, preserving our environment for future generations is a priority for me. While the Manatee County Commission, not the State Legislature in Tallahassee, will make the final decision once a formal proposal is submitted, I will not support any project that threatens the quality of life that makes Manatee County a great place to live and raise a family.”
MELTON LITTLE, CANDIDATE D71 “I oppose a cruise port or any other such project the could potentially damage our environmentally sensitive waterways. I have proposed a Terra Ceia Protection plan, addressing both of these issues.”
JORDAN VARNADORE, CANDIDATE D71 “I’ve called Palmetto home my entire life – raised here, raising my four kids here, built my businesses here. The proposed cruise port near Rattlesnake Key? I’m flat-out against it. Period. It would wreck the quiet coast, mangroves, and fishing spots we all treasure.”
