Battle over Riverwalk extension continues at Port Tampa Bay meeting
By Henry Queen
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Dec 20, 2022

A clash of interests regarding a key piece of downtown Tampa waterfront property has reached a new fervor.

Some want the Tampa Riverwalk to be expanded through Cruise Terminal 2 at Port Tampa Bay, but port CEO Paul Anderson is concerned about security, cost and other issues. An extension would connect Sparkman Wharf and the Florida Aquarium along the Ybor Turning Basin.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has met privately with Anderson and port leaders but reiterated support for the idea during Tuesday’s port board meeting. Access and security aren’t exclusive, she said.

“It seems there is no end to the development, but clearly, our waterfront is finite,” Castor said. “We enjoy it so much that I think the more we make that available to the community, the better.”

Commissioner Patrick Allman agreed there is an opportunity to open Cruise Terminal 2 for pedestrians. The retired Navy captain said the port’s concerns about revenue, security, safety and liability can be balanced with the public’s “right to access its waterfront.”

Cruise terminal 2 is only used from November through May, Allman said. In a written response to a Tampa Bay Times editorial supporting the Riverwalk’s extension, Anderson argued that “we have truly become a year-round cruise port, with expectations for continued growth in this important line of business.”

This year, the port expects to welcome three cruises at its three terminals simultaneously for five days during the summer off-season, Anderson wrote. He also said the port doesn’t have complete control over the issue, as it must receive clearance from the Department of Homeland Security through the U.S. Coast Guard.

That security request won’t be an obstacle. “This is our security plan, not the coast guard’s,” said Allman, who has served on the port board for over 11 years.

He suggested the port hire one or two security guards and open the path during the summer. Port leaders should approach the Channel District Community Redevelopment Agency for funding, Allman said.

No motion was made during Tuesday’s meeting. Castor recommended that a third-party consultant be brought on, but others disagreed.

Anderson criticized media coverage regarding “the facts” of how many passengers pass through Cruise Terminal 2. Cruise ships will be active there 78 days this year, he said. Over 1.2 million guests are expected to call on Port Tampa Bay across 260 sailings this cruise season, according to Anderson. That would be a port record.

He compared the quarrel to the one about a lane reduction on Channelside Drive.

“We’ve worked through some issues before,” Anderson said Tuesday. “I believe there is some other dialogue taking place that would help this long-term as well. But I think us working together, we can absolutely take a look at some options.”

In a statement, Florida Aquarium CEO Roger Germann said he looks forward to future developments.

“Today’s meeting demonstrates there is strong support on the port board to open the Riverwalk and the appropriate next step is for the port board to set a public timetable to accomplish that goal in 2023,” Germann said.