Residents urge Manatee County to protect Terracea Aquatic Preserve amid cruise-port talk

Several Terracea Island residents told the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 12 that they oppose any proposal that could weaken protections for the Terracea Aquatic Preserve.

At the public-comment portion of the land‑use meeting, residents described their neighborhood as an historic, residential island inside protected waters and said the comprehensive plan and coastal policies should remain “standing guardrails” for any future application. "Terracea is a historic residential island surrounded by protected waters," said Terracea resident Cynthia Roleski. "A cruise port would fundamentally change that."

Tom Glancy, an environmental consultant who said he has 24 years’ experience on marine construction issues, urged the board and neighbors to prepare for extensive review if a port proposal is filed and to preserve legal and administrative levers for scrutiny. "If this ridiculous plan does move forward, it will be a very long and involved process," he said.

Commissioners acknowledged the public’s alarm and described the limits of county authority on some environmental permits, emphasizing that state and federal agencies handle many wetland and in‑water authorizations. Commissioner Cruz noted residents should engage with state agencies such as the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "We're going to read your emails. We'll listen to your public comments," he said.

Speakers repeatedly warned about wetland mitigation banks and off‑site mitigation, saying wetland credits purchased outside the impacted watershed could fail to protect local habitat and flood control. "Every time you hear the word mitigation, man, that red flag should go up," said Glenn Ghibellino, referencing engineered wetlands’ limitations compared with natural systems.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said they will treat any formal application under the county’s comprehensive plan and land‑development code. But residents said they want early, explicit commitments that rules not be weakened and that impacts to wetlands, water quality and local infrastructure be scoped and mitigated.

What’s next: No application for a cruise port or similar project was filed at the Feb. 12 meeting. Residents were advised to continue public engagement with the county and to contact state and federal regulators who issue environmental permits.