News & Updates
President’s Message: September 2024
Special thanks to all Florida port directors and seaport professionals that joined us recently for our annual board meeting in Pensacola. Our host port, the Port of Pensacola, was gracious with their hospitality while showcasing the beauty of the city and the benefits the port has to offer.
Representative Kim Berfield, our keynote speaker, was also very generous with her time in meeting with port leaders and demonstrating her deep knowledge of the importance of Florida’s system of seaports.
Florida’s seaports our proud to be the leader in getting critical commodities like fuel, food and medical supplies from ship to shelf. We’re also proud to work with our transportation partners, in particular truck drivers that play a key role in Florida’s supply chain. During this National Truck Driver Appreciate Week, we salute our trucking partners who contribute to Florida’s economy, safety and quality of life.
There is a great deal of activity taking place at Florida’s seaports, including infrastructure and maintenance, increased cruise activity, and a strong number of cargo vessels calling on our ports. Soon, we’ll have updated economic data to report out that will better reflect the economic growth we’re seeing.
As our members continue working to ensure that the nation’s maritime industry seizes the opportunities Florida seaports have to offer, we’re also focused and preparing for the 2025 Legislative Session. While the March 4, 2025, start of session date may seem like a long way off, Organizational Session will take place shortly after the November elections, followed by the start of Interim Committee Week meetings. Our team will be ready to hit the ground running.
Congratulations to Port Everglades for rising sharply among world ports when it comes to operational performance. The port has jumped to No. 65 on the Container Port Performance Index, a rating developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. From No. 116 in 2021, to 65 in 2024, that’s an impressive jump for this port that is No. 2 in the United States for trade with Latin America and serves 150 ports in 70 countries.
Finally, I would like to share that the Florida Council on Economic Education has announced that JAXPORT CEO Eric Green will be inducted into the First Coast Business Hall of Fame in the coming months. Green will be recognized for his distinguished business and civic achievements, and lifelong examples of integrity and high ideals. Congratulations Eric!
Thank you for your continued support of Florida’s seaports.