This comes after a deal by the state and Manatee County to buy the island fell apart.
By Brice Claypoole
Original Air Date: December 10, 2025
Host: One of the largest swathes of natural coastline in Manatee County has just changed hands. Rattlesnake Key, a 720-acre island abutting Tampa Bay has been the object of desire for conservationists for decades. Now that it’s been sold to a private company, its future is up in the air. Bryce Claypoole has this report.
An anhinga perched atop a tree at Rattlesnake Key. Photo by Brice Claypoole
Scott Moore: It’s a fish-producing area, it’s a massive bird area—rookery area. The shoreline there is some of the most beautiful agatized bottom coral, all along there is a beautiful bank. That’s probably one of the best shallow water tarpon fishing, all kinds of fish. Then on the bay side, of course, you have the grass flats.
Brice Claypoole: What sort of wildlife depends on that area out there?
SM: Oh, you have everything. You have ospreys. You might even have some eagles off and on. Roseate Spoonbills, all your wading birds, any of your marsh birds—and then, of course, everything that feeds them—all the mullets.
BC: That’s Captain Scott Moore, who’s been a local charter captain for nearly half a century. He’s describing Rattlesnake Key, a wild 720-acre island in Tampa Bay that conservationists have been eyeing for decades. It’s also been eyed by developers for housing, resorts or even a cruise port.
The state tried to purchase it for preservation in 2022, but the plan fell apart after a low appraisal, and the property owners put the land up for sale. Two weeks ago, Rattlesnake Key was purchased by a private company for $18 million. What that means for the Key’s future is uncertain. Though the company hasn’t shared what they’ll use the land for, a spokesperson said, “this investment is intended to preserve the natural character of this special property for local residents, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for generations.”
A manatee under the surface of the water at Rattlesnake Key. Photo by Brice Claypoole
Moore guesses that means the buyer intends to use the land as mitigation credits for developers who want to destroy wetlands elsewhere in return for protecting and restoring them at Rattlesnake Key. He says such a use would make financial sense.
SM: We’re hoping it was bought for mitigation. If they’re gonna use it for mitigation, it could be worth 50 million. It’s like a wait-and-see thing, you know what I mean?
BC: Back in 2021, Tampa Bay Estuary Program sent a letter to the state encouraging them to purchase the property. Ed Sherwood, director of the Estuary Program, says that even in private hands, it’s important the land be preserved.
Ed Sherwood: There’s important estuarine wetland and coastal upland habitats that we’re looking to preserve into perpetuity.
BC: Only time will tell.
For WSLR News, this is Brice Claypoole
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