Delegation advances Seaport Manatee independence bill after split at port commission

The Manatee County legislative delegation voted 4-0 on Friday to advance a local bill to create an independent governing district for Seaport Manatee, a move supporters said would let the port pursue specialized maritime growth while critics said the Port Authority itself had not reached a majority in favor and that more local review was needed.

Port Chair Ron (identified in testimony as the Port Authority chair) told the delegation the commission'level vote on independence was a 3to3 tie and therefore did not constitute approval. Nonetheless, he and several past port chairs urged the delegation to advance the bill so Seaport Manatee can pursue what they described as opportunities for growth, permitting streamlining and maritime operations expertise.

Port supporters argued the port takes no ad valorem taxes, relies on revenue bonds and commercial activity to operate, and that an independent board composed of maritime and port-experienced appointees would boost the port's competitiveness. "We feel this is an important bill to be to to bring forward being that Seaport Manatee needs is becoming a port of significance," Port Chair Ron said.

Opponents at the meeting, including former Commissioner Joe McLash, told the delegation the Port Authority had not taken action and that the delegation should not advance a bill that lacked an affirmative vote from the port body. "The Port Authority took no action. 3 to 3, as you know, is no action. So for you to sit here and... support an issue that's against the will of the body," McLash said in public comment.

Delegation members asked presenters about harbor pilots, bond guarantees and whether county taxpayers would be exposed. Presenters said the port's bonds are revenue bonds tied to port receipts and that county citizens would not be assessed through ad valorem taxation, and that work remained to refine board appointment language.

Representative Connolly led the roll call; delegates voted aye and the delegation recorded a 4-0 vote to advance the local bill. Many commissioners and delegation members said they wanted further vetting during the legislative process but supported sending the bill to committees to allow fuller consideration.

Provenance: The port's presentation, the Port Authority split (3to3) and public testimony on both sides are recorded in the transcript (see 18:51to—9:24).