News & Updates
President’s Message: July 2025
On the heels of celebrating America’s 249th anniversary since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Florida is buzzing with activity.
Tourism continues to bustle as more and more visitors flock to Florida to enjoy a cruise vacation. Cargo activity across Florida’s chain of seaports remains strong. Port Panama City on Florida’s Gulf Coast is experiencing robust copper imports as manufacturers prepare for new tariffs, JAXPORT has become the first U.S. Southeast port of call following Premier Alliance’s service change which is offering faster transit times from four ports in South and Southeast Asia, and the Port of Palm Beach is experiencing record-breaking revenue and growth.
Florida’s new fiscal year began on July 1, following Governor Ron DeSantis signing the new state budget into law. Contained within the new budget is a $120.7 million allocation for seaport projects and debt reserve payments. Additionally, three local elected member transportation projects received funding to invest in PortMiami’s North bulkhead improvement project, Port of Fernandina’s Customs and Border Projection building, and Port Putnam’s cargo infrastructure improvements.
Florida’s various transportation modes continue to rise up and meet the growing demands we’re seeing across the model sectors. From airports, seaports, spaceports, to railroads, trucking. roads and bridges, our model systems are in continuous improvements to ensure we’re meeting supply chain needs as well as our growing population needs.
Recently I had the opportunity to highlight this bustling transportation activity at the Floridians for Better Transportation’s Summer Camp. Joining the discussion were Bob Ledoux of Florida East Coast Railway, Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of LYNX, and Rudy Powell, P.E., Chief Engineer of Operations at FDOT.
As our state and nation begin the march toward America’s 250th year anniversary of celebrating freedoms, I have no doubt that Florida’s seaports will continue to play a leading role in the growth and strength of our state and nation.