Voters decide to turn Key West into small-ship cruise destination

[Jason 411]

KEY WEST, Fla. – Key West voters decided to set limits on big cruise ship tourism, and this will turn the Conch Republic. into a small-ship cruise destination.

Three new amendments to the city charter aim to limit the number of people disembarking from cruise ships to 1,500 a day and limit the capacity of ships to 1,300 people. Officials will also have to consider the ships' health and environmental safety records for docking priority.

Before the amendments ended up on the Election Day ballot, opponents challenged the measure in federal and state courts, so it is likely that they will challenge the voters' decision in court even though the amendments are legally binding.

The Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships took the helm of the effort on a mission to protect the quaint character of the city and the local ecosystem. Arlo Haskell, the group’s treasurer, said the community worked together.

“There is a lot of unity and a lot of support behind this very common-sense restrictions,” Haskell said.

Protect Our Jobs, an organization registered as a nonprofit, and the Key West Chamber of Commerce unsuccessfully opposed the effort alleging the limits will increase unemployment and hurt local businesses.

Bill Lay, the owner of La Trattoria Restaurant, said he is worried that the measure comes as he is already suffering during the ongoing coronavirus recession.

“This is a very big deal to our little community,” Lay said.

By Christina Vasquez and Andrea Torres, WPLG Local10.com
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
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[Jan115 1,034]

With cruisers limited to 1,300 per ship, that limits the cruise lines visiting to premium and luxury lines, likely bringing a different type of clientele to Key West. People with more money to spend in port! And this can be a good thing.😎