Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn has been elected as the chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority. Rahn expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, “It is a privilege to chair SeaPort Manatee’s governing board as we continue to advance key infrastructure enhancements and hurricane recovery efforts while setting the course for even greater realization of the port’s role as a leading contributor to our region’s economy.” His election was confirmed in December.
SeaPort Manatee reported handling a record volume of more than 11.8 million tons of cargo in its fiscal year ending September 30. Additionally, two new mobile harbor cranes have been added, and the annual economic impact figure has risen to nearly $7.3 billion according to a recent report. Recovery efforts are underway with $9.5 million in emergency funding announced on October 14 by Governor Ron DeSantis following Hurricane Milton's landfall on October 9, which caused over $200 million in damages.
Other Manatee County commissioners elected to serve one-year seaport board officer terms starting January 1, 2025, include Dr. Bob McCann as first vice chairman; Amanda Ballard as second vice chairman; and Tal Siddique as third vice chairman. The seven-member governing board also includes Carol Ann Felts, George Kruse, and Jason Bearden.
The Manatee County Port Authority board is composed of the seven members of the elected Manatee County Commission but operates with separate officers and financial accountability. The authority is responsible for setting policy and overseeing major expenditures for SeaPort Manatee. Board members serve staggered four-year terms with annual elections for officers.