Ports preemption bill drudges up opposition from the Keys
Floridians from the state s southernmost point left home at 3 a.m. to speak in Tallahassee.
A bill prohibiting local governments from writing their own seaport restrictions is on its way to the Senate floor after hitting turbulent waters in committee.
The controversial bill (
SB 426), filed by Bradenton Republican Sen.
Jim Boyd, would prohibit local ballot initiatives from restricting seaport activity and preempting seaport restrictions. On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee approved the bill for the full Senate’s consideration.
Voters in Key West in November
amended the city’s charter to block large cruise ships from docking. Around two-thirds of Key West voters voted to limit the capacity of cruise ships that can dock at the tourist destination’s port, to limit the number of passengers who can disembark and to prioritize cruise lines with the best health records.