Marine terminal operator SSA Marine and holding company Slip Knott LLC have outlined a concept for a cruise terminal on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that they say would accommodate larger modern cruise ships. A project website projects 13,000 jobs and $40 million a year in tax revenue.
The proposal remains in an early planning phase, with no formal development applications filed and numerous zoning and environmental reviews ahead.
The proposed port has drawn sharp public reaction.
A Save the Bay rally on Terra Ceia Feb. 14 was organized to connect residents with environmental, legal and planning expertise and to help coordinate community opposition to the proposed terminal.