West Central Florida has long been a gateway to the world for commerce, tourism, and the communities that depend on both. As the cruise industry grows and modernizes, the region faces an important question: how to plan responsibly for future demand while protecting the natural assets that make this area unique.

To help answer that question, SSA Marine, the leading cruise terminal operator in North America, in partnership with Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC, is exploring the development of a modern cruise port facility in Manatee County on the Knott-Cowen tract, located adjacent to and seaward of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Our vision is rooted in a simple idea: enhancing West Central Florida’s position in an evolving cruise industry, while respecting the surrounding environment, creating long-term economic opportunities for the local community, and supporting regional tourism.

Our new port will complement existing cruise activities in the region by being able to service the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. With cruise ships continuing to modernize, the region will be well positioned to align with and support the cruise industry’s future growth.

Cruise activity brings visitors, supports small businesses, and generates employment across a wide range of sectors, from hospitality and transportation to logistics and maritime services. We estimate that the construction investment of this project will generate more than 31,000 jobs in industries both directly and indirectly related to the new port in the state and regional economy, and boost labor earnings by approximately $1.6 billion.

Throughout this project, we are committed to transparently working through the public process and welcome the opportunity to engage local residents in meaningful dialogue and work collaboratively with the community to ensure this effort reflects West Central Florida’s needs and creates sustained, long-term public benefit.

Also central to this project is our commitment to environmental stewardship. To that end, SSA Marine recently acquired the adjacent 710-acre Rattlesnake Key property through its subsidiary, the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company. We recognize Rattlesnake Key is a treasured local community asset that has long been the subject of concern regarding potential future commercial development. Our intent in purchasing the property is to remove any possibility of private commercialization and ensure its conservation. We look forward to working closely with local officials, residents, and environmental leaders in the months ahead to discuss how best to preserve the natural character of this special property.

Together, we can define the next generation of cruising in West Central Florida: one that supports local jobs, strengthens the region, preserves the region’s unique ecology, and reflects the values of West Central Florida.