KEY WEST, Fla. — The pandemic led to a strong push to limit the size and volume of cruise vessels on Key West, Florida. Residents imposed restrictions to protect the marine environment and limit passengers to 1,500 per day, but those were later nullified by the state Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis.
The hotelier operating Key West’s cruise ship port is now seeking state permission to expand, questioning the balance between protecting the environment and the revenues from Florida’s biggest industry. Last year, DeSantis signed legislation prohibiting local ballot measures from restricting marine commerce – perceived by many as a “pay to play” decision.
Nearly $1 million in campaign donations from the pier’s owner spurred tough questions around the local port owner underpaying state fees and taxes. However, the Florida attorney general’s office dismissed the case, further fueling accusations of continued state support for a major campaign donor.
Amid these debates, local business owners fear that cruise ship limitations could seriously impact tourism in Key West. But the pandemic’s disruption of cruise travels challenged the notion that cruise ships are vital for business and job growth on the island, as 2021 saw rising hotel tax revenues and a record airport arrival figure of 1.4 million.
Safer Cleaner Ships, an organization that seeks to keep large cruise ships out of Key West, has been pushing for the protection of the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. They argue that banning cruise ships has led to significant improvements in the area’s marine environment, an argument that resonated with many residents.
A compromise was reached, with ships prohibited from mooring at two docks controlled by the city, leaving only the privately-owned Pier B as the sole access point for cruise vessels, leading to a 50% decrease in cruise ship traffic, a move that activists saw as positive.
The ongoing conflict around the expansion of the cruise ship port has further exacerbated tensions, leading to a whistleblower lawsuit and allegations of improper tax payments. The cruise industry has fanned the flames, warning of a potential reduction in public services as a consequence of reduced cruise ship revenues.
The debate on environmental damage by cruise ships remains contentious, with scientists on both sides presenting their cases. Despite environmental concerns, the wealthy hotelier’s request for more space has pushed the dilemma onto DeSantis, impacting his environmental record and his significant ties to the state’s tourism industry.
In June, the temporary permit allowing the expansion of the pier to accommodate bigger ships is set to expire. To address concerns about environmental impact, additional scientific expertise has been utilized to illustrate the coexistence of large ships with Key West’s delicate coral reefs.
The tug of war between tourism patronage, environmental impact, and local business interests continues in Key West, questioning the delicate balance of preserving the city’s natural resources and maintaining the economic viability of its tourism industry.
