Investing in the Future of West Central Florida

A new cruise port will complement existing cruise activities in the region by being able to accommodate the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. As cruise ships continue to modernize, the region will be well positioned to align with and support the cruise industry’s future growth. Additionally, locating a new cruise port on the seaward side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge could serve as a valuable community asset in the event of extreme weather or other emergency situations.

The project is a privately financed cruise port investment led by SSA Marine that will modernize West Central Florida’s cruise infrastructure and deliver significant economic benefits, while prioritizing environmental conservation through the acquisition of Rattlesnake Key.

The proposed development consists of a multi-berth cruise port immediately adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway, to be constructed on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract in Manatee County.

The location of the Knott-Cowen tract on the seaward side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will allow the port to service the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit the region.

No. This is a private investment by SSA Marine.

We believe a new port on the seaward side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will complement current and future cruise activities in the region and will bring additional tourism to West Central Florida which will benefit the region as a whole.

Cruise activity attracts visitors, supports small businesses, and generates employment across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, logistics, and maritime services. We estimate that the construction investment for this proposed project will generate more than 31,000 jobs in industries directly and indirectly related to the port in the state and region, and boost labor wages by $1.6 billion. In addition, this infrastructure investment is projected to generate more than $5 billion in total economic impact for the state and regional economy.

Once in operation, we estimate the new port will support more than 13,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and generate $40 million per year in tax revenue for the County and School District.

Construction of the proposed cruise port is anticipated to take approximately three to five years. The project team will engage with all relevant local, state, and federal stakeholders, as well as government agencies, at the appropriate stages to ensure successful implementation, regulatory compliance, and the maximization of public benefits while minimizing community disruption.

While the project remains in the early planning phase and will be subject to zoning and other required approvals, initial work has already begun to identify and evaluate potential considerations, including traffic, noise, environmental impacts, and public access. These topics will be addressed in greater detail as part of the approval process, and opportunities for public input will be provided before any final decisions are made.

We look forward to engaging with local communities beginning early in 2026 alongside the Manatee County permitting process. Our ongoing engagement will include public hearings with the Manatee County Planning Commission and the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, among other activities. These efforts will help inform project planning and environmental conservation efforts. We look forward to sharing additional details about opportunities for community involvement in the near future, and in the meantime, we encourage community members to sign up on our website to stay informed.

Rattlesnake Key is an approximately 710-acre ecologically sensitive property that has long been the subject of concern regarding potential future commercial development. The Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company, a subsidiary of SSA Marine, purchased the property to remove any possibility of private commercialization and ensure its conservation. Our intent is for local residents to be able to enjoy the key for generations.

No. There will be no commercial development or construction on Rattlesnake Key. The intended purpose of the acquisition is to protect its wetlands, wildlife habitat, and the natural character of the property in perpetuity.

Environmental protection is a core component of the project. The combination of the conservation of Rattlesnake Key and implementing modern infrastructure standards represents a model that balances economic growth with long-term environmental stewardship.