Florida's seaports have demonstrated resilience in the face of recent challenges, including two hurricanes and a port worker strike. In the past month, these events tested the ports' capabilities, but effective leadership across 16 public ports enabled swift recovery and continuation of their critical role in Florida's supply chain.
Following hurricanes, Florida's ports prioritize fuel, people, and perishables as they resume operations. The state's fuel ports are crucial for recovery efforts and work closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the U.S. Coast Guard to reopen quickly. This coordination ensures that fuel tankers can access ports to maintain a steady flow of fuel to affected areas.
An example is SeaPort Manatee, which sustained damage from Hurricane Milton. Fuel barges were redirected to nearby Port Tampa Bay and Port Canaveral to maintain distribution until SeaPort Manatee could receive them again. Now operational, SeaPort Manatee is supplying fuel to Southwest Florida.
SeaPort Manatee received $9.5 million from Governor Ron DeSantis and FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue for berth recovery efforts and infrastructure repairs. This funding is vital for ensuring Southwest Florida receives necessary supplies like fuel, food products, appliances, construction materials, and wood products.
Port Canaveral also played a key role by providing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to support communities and airports across Florida.
In addition to natural challenges, personal loss has touched port leadership. "Just days before Hurricane Milton made landfall," noted an unnamed source from within the port community regarding their personal life changes.