News Releases

Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy has been re-elected chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority.

Port Manatee has reached agreement for Regional Rail LLC to operate its seaport-owned short-line railroad through at least 2036, with options through 2051, advancing extended business opportunities for Manatee County’s rapidly growing seaport.

Port Manatee and Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. have reached agreement to keep the company’s fruit imports coming into the fast-growing seaport until at least 2026, with options through 2036.

Port Manatee’s skyrocketing containerized cargo trade continues to rise to record heights – soaring more than 53 percent in the just-ended fiscal year – while total cargo tonnage moving through the seaport has also reached an all-time high, according to figures reported today [Tuesday, Oct. 19].

Port Manatee and many of its industry partners are looking to fill more than 100 well-paying positions through a free, hands-on career fair to be held Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

Port Manatee is always thankful for the unwavering dedication of the hundreds of professional drivers passing through its gates on a daily basis, but that gratitude is particularly effusive in these pandemic-challenged times, with the port’s sixth annual Trucker Appreciation Day, held Friday [Sept. 17], providing a modest opportunity to celebrate their contributions.

Port Manatee is proficiently serving as import hub for the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, underscoring capabilities for moving oversize cargos via Central and Southwest Florida’s preferred gateway for global commerce.

Port Manatee is receiving more than $1 million in federal grant funding to bolster protection against cyberthreats, upgrade the port’s wireless security network and complete a perimeter fencing project.

Port Manatee is anticipating a big boost in exports of recycled steel materials following acquisition of a port-adjacent 25.5-acre facility by a new subsidiary of Peru-based steelmaker Aceros Arequipa.