News & Updates
President’s Message: February 2023
President & CEO
On the heels of record-high growth, the Florida Ports Council (FPC) has made it a priority to share how the reliability and resiliency of Florida’s 16 seaports are well-positioned to take on even more cargo. And we’re not wasting any time getting started.
In the coming few days, we’ll be holding face-to-face meetings with international maritime decision makers as we work to grow Florida’s economic development footprint. Several of Florida’s port directors will join us as we participate in The Premier Conference for International Container Shipping (TPM2023) in Long Beach, CA, holding top-level conversations designed to secure additional shipping lines calling on Florida ports.
And while we’re recruiting new business to Florida, we’re also working closely with Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and our partners at the Florida Department of Transportation to secure strengthened investments for additional capital improvements, like berth rehabilitation and repairs, site improvements, cargo and cruise terminals.
Just yesterday, FPC Chair and Port Everglades Port Director Jonathan Daniels testified before the Florida House Transportation and Modals Subcommittee, and outlined how the strong investments in Florida’s publicly owned seaports have positioned the Sunshine State to take on an even larger market share over the next five years. He urged lawmakers to seize on the success of Florida’s port performances, and take advantage of even stronger economic development opportunities. You can learn more about our legislative advocacy efforts here.
To help ensure that maritime decision makers, as well as Florida’s elected leaders recognize that Florida’s seaports are Reliable, Resilient and Ready, we’ve launched a new digital effort to spread the message that Florida’s seaports are the U.S. gateway to the world. You’ll see our messages, as well as our videos, spread across social media platforms, reaching those who care about Florida’s success.
In this edition of our e-Newsletter, we’re sharing the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council’s just-published Seaport Mission Plan, which highlights the new record high 112.5 million tons of cargo received in 2022 – a six percent increase over 2021.
Thank you for your continued support of Florida’s ports, the jobs they provide communities from Pensacola to Key West, and the economic revenue they generate.