Florida Ports Council

Merry Christmas. Seas the holiday spirit of the season.

Florida seaports are happy to lend Santa a helping hand this holiday season. The is always better when Florida’s 16 seaports and their cargo and cruise operations play a role.

Florida’s 16 seaports have a huge economic impact, providing more than $100 Billion to the state’s economy through cargo and cruise activities. That’s 13 percent of Florida’s GDP. Counting down .

We’re counting down , and celebrating more than 2 billion dollars of copper imports in 2023. Copper is a great conductor, and used in many appliances, computers, household and car electrical wiring, TVs and more.

Santa’s workshop is getting a bit of extra help this year with presents. More than 4 Million of 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo were handled this year by Florida’s 16 seaports. Wow, that’s a lot of gifts.

In the ever-competitive world of importing, exporting, transportation and logistics, Florida’s seaports are among the very best. This year, five of Florida’s port directors were named to the Florida Trend Florida 500 list for their achievements and leadership. Counting down .

If a new car, truck or SUV is on your Christmas wish list, chances are that new vehicle was imported through a Florida seaport. More than 600,000 vehicles were imported to Florida this year, with many of them arriving at . Counting down

Florida seaports are counting down , and in the seven spot are our seven incredible world class cruise ports. The holidays are a perfect time to take a holiday cruise.

Can you name the eight Florida seaports located on the Gulf of Mexico coastline? We’ll help you out: Port Panama City Port Citrus Port St. Pete
We're celebrating .

Before kicking off your fun, old-fashioned family Christmas, and heading out into the country in your front-wheel drive, be sure to gas up. Florida’s seaports are making sure you’ll have all the fuel supplies needed to get you to your Christmas vacation.

Congrats to the team at Jaxport for being named to the 100 Percent Club by Attorney General Ashley Moody. JAXPORT is the first public port to join this club, and join the fight to end human trafficking in Florida.

Attorney General Welcomes JAXPORT to 100 Percent Club - Florida Ports Council Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody recently added Jacksonville Port Authority, or JAXPORT, to the 100 Percent Club. Attorney General Moody’s 100 Percent Club recognizes businesses who train employees to spot and report human trafficking. With JAXPORT’s addition to the 100 Percent Club, nearly...

If Santa skips the sleigh for a plane to deliver presents this Christmas, chances are he’ll be flying on a plane made with aircraft parts shipped from Florida seaports.
https://flaports.org/twelve-days-of-christmas/

ICYMI: Port Tampa Bay’s continued capital investments that have supported strong throughput and revenue performance, and are expected to drive additional growth in the near term, has elevated its Fitch Ratings to an A+.

Fitch Ratings Improves Port Tampa Bay’s Rating to A+ - Florida Ports Council Fitch Ratings elevated their rating for Port Tampa Bay to an 'A+' for the port’s approximately $75 million in outstanding revenue bonds and notes. Additionally, the Rating Outlook is stable. The upgrade reflects Port Tampa Bay's continued capital investments that have supported strong throughput a...

Florida’s seaports answered America’s call to resolve the West Coast supply chain debacle, and our successes at recruiting global ocean carrier services continues today. Now it’s time for Florida to Seas the Opportunities, and double down on investing in Florida seaports. Florida Ports Council Newsletter, December 2023 - https://mailchi.mp/d7f6e30859ae/florida-ports-council-newsletter-december-13680160

We’re counting down the days until Christmas. On the 11th day until Christmas, we give a tip of the hat to the 11 Florida seaports that move cargo. From ship to shelf, these ports are making sure you have what you need for the holidays. https://flaports.org/twelve-days-of-christmas/

As a leading economic engine in Florida, we’re celebrating the by highlighting the key role Florida’s seaports play. Join in the fun by reposting. Happy Holidays! https://flaports.org/twelve-days-of-christmas/

Thinking about taking a cruise for the holidays? PortMiami is welcoming eight new cruise ships for the 2023-2024 season. Check out the possibilities from the new lineup of ships departing PortMiami: Oceania Cruises Carnival Cruise Line Crystal Cruises MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line

PortMiami Welcomes Eight New Cruise Ships for 2023-2024 Season - Florida Ports Council PortMiami is thrilled to announce the arrival of eight new cruise ships to the “Cruise Capital of the World” for the 2023-2024 cruise season.

To support infrastructure and road building projects in Florida, Port Tampa Bay's Board of Commissioners recently approved leases to expand operations at Port Redwing. This will expand the ports handling of aggregates needed for road construction. https://bit.ly/49XheWR

Port Panama City is the only Florida seaport to receive a Port Infrastructure Development Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and they’ll use this $11.25M grant to continue expanding its East Terminal. Congrats to Port Director Alex King and team. https://bit.ly/3ut6D5O

Congrats to Port Tampa Bay on their A+ Fitch Ratings. The ports diversity remains its greatest asset and strength, says Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson.

Port Tampa Bay Given A+ Rating for Revenue Performance in 2023 Port Tampa Bay has increased

Here’s a great way to kick-off the holiday season. Donate an unwrapped gift for children to the Annual Port of Palm Beach Holiday Toy Drive. Join Port Director Michael Meekins in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Port of Palm Beach Launches Holiday Toy Drive - Florida Ports Council The Port of Palm Beach and its generous tenants are delighted to announce the launch of the Annual Port of Palm Beach Holiday Toy Drive. Through Friday, December 1, the Port will be collecting new unwrapped gifts for children living in the Azure Estates neighborhood, which is located less than two m...

Gratitude changes everything. Happy Thanksgiving.

A new environmentally-friendly locomotive will soon service Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT's) Talleyrand Marine Terminal, as part of the port’s commitment to environmental protection and stewardship.

New Eco-Friendly Locomotive to Serve JAXPORT - Florida Ports Council A new environmentally-friendly locomotive will soon service the Jacksonville Port Authority’s (JAXPORT’s) Talleyrand Marine Terminal. The unit is one of eight locomotives nationwide being converted from diesel to battery-powered through funding provided by Kansas-based Watco Rail Services and a ...

Congratulations Port Tampa Bay. This is tremendous financial strength!

We are heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday with some cause for celebration!

Fitch Ratings announced they have increased our rating to A+ and maintained our outlook at stable. This means the port's growth and financial stability has been recognized by one of the nation's largest credit rating agencies.

Port Tampa Bay is Florida's largest and most diverse port and has an economic impact of more than $17 billion and touches 85,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“This Port is an economic powerhouse in Florida. Central Florida benefits immensely from our operations, with numerous jobs created, businesses thriving, and increased tourism. We play a crucial role in supporting Florida's tourism industry,” Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray shared.

Port Canaveral Sees Record Year for Cargo and Cruise Operations - Florida Ports Council Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO, presented a comprehensive overview of the Port's strong performance in Fiscal Year 2023 and expressed a positive outlook for the upcoming FY 2024 during his annual "State of Port" address on Nov. 8 at Cruise Terminal 1.

Florida’s seaports stand at their most pivotal point in our state’s history – we either seize the opportunity to become more globally competitive, or we settle with the status quo. Read this important message from Mike Rubin, President and CEO, Florida Ports Council.

President's Message: November 2023 - Florida Ports Council It’s no secret that U.S. cargo seaports and passenger seaports are very competitive. While Florida’s seaports have been flexing their muscles over the last several years, showing the world that we are a supply chain solution state, our seaports now stand at their most pivotal point in our state....

DYK: The Port of Palm Beach recently broke ground on major infrastructure enhancements. The five improvements will enhance connectivity among waterborne, intermodal freight rail and truck carried cargo. Congrats Port of Palm Beach!

Port of Palm Beach Breaks Ground a Top Infrastructure Project - Florida Ports Council The Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners recently celebrated the commencement of construction for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).

While Florida’s seaports have been flexing their muscles over the last several years, showing the world that we are a supply chain solution state, our seaports now stand at their most pivotal point in our state’s history. Find out how we are ready to “Seas the Opportunity” in the latest edition of the Florida Ports Council newsletter - November 2023 - https://mailchi.mp/3fadd378d134/florida-ports-council-newsletter-november-13677168

Florida Ocean Alliance is recommending state leaders strengthen coastal resilience, improve water and habitat quality, hazard prep and natural resource protections, as part of its effort to support Florida’s blue economy.

Keeping Florida's coastlines and oceans a key part of the economy is threatened by climate change The Florida Ocean Alliance submitted a plan to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the legislature to help strengthen resilience and protection of the state's coastlines.

The American Magic Team is expected to have a new headquarters waiting for them at the Port of Pensacola when they return from the America’s Cup competition in Barcelona, Spain in 2024. This is a win-win for Florida and the New York Yacht Club American Magic which is making its new home in the Sunshine State.
https://bit.ly/47w6hJV

Congratulations Port Everglades! They have officially opened a new, dedicated Disney Cruise Line terminal to provide a seamless embarkation experience. Disney Dream will sail from Port Everglades on Nov. 20, 2024 and sail 3, 4 and 5 night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

New Disney Cruise Line terminal opens at Port Everglades Florida's Port Everglades has officially opened a new, dedicated Disney Cruise Line terminal  Representatives from Disney Cruise Line and Port Everglades were joined by community leaders, and Disney characters Mickey and Minnie, to celebrate the inauguration on 13 November 2023.  “Disney Cruise ...

Enjoyed focusing on coastal resilience during the recent Florida Ocean Alliance meeting at Port Tampa Bay. Thank you, Glenn Wiltshire, for your leadership at FOA, and serving as Deputy Director at Port Everglades.

With gratitude to all who have served, and are serving, to protect our freedom. Happy Veterans Day!

DID YOU KNOW: Port Canaveral brings in $6B each year to Florida’s economy, and supports 43,000 jobs. Their latest State of the Port address shows strong growth, with cargo expansion and new parking garages on the horizon.

State of Port Canaveral shows strong growth The port also has expansion projects in the works.

Congratulations Port Panama City on the official commissioning of your new $20M biomass dome storage facility. Special thanks to Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue for joining the commissioning ceremony. Hats off to Port Panama City Port Director Alex King for his leadership on this important economic development opportunity.

Hats off to Port Canaveral CEO John W. Murray. Under his leadership, Port Canaveral recently earned the distinction as the busiest cruise port in the world. It hosts nearly 4 million cruise passengers, and 6 million tons of cargo annually. Congrats Capt. Murray.

Congrats CEO and Port Dir. Jonathan Daniels on being named a .trend Florida 500 honoree. Port Everglades is undergoing a $3B expansion to expand berth and crane capacity, deepen and widen channels, and modernize its cruise facilities.

Hats off to Jaxport CEO Eric Green for being named a Florida Trend Florida 500 honoree. “If you think you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in trouble. Surround yourself with great people. From professional work to personal relationships, teamwork is essential.”

Growth is happening at Port Panama City. They’ll officially commission a new $20 million biomass dome storage facility on November 7. The dome will provide more wood pellet storage, strengthening its biomass capabilities. https://bit.ly/3QanMbP