News Releases
Here you can find the latest news of Port Manatee and a full archive of our press releases.
Please contact Virginia Zimmermann vzimmermann@portmanatee.com if you would like to be added to the distribution list.
Deepwater Newsletters
Port Manatee celebrates 50 years as regional economic engine
Port Manatee is celebrating a half century as a powerful regional economic catalyst and global commercial hub, with today [Thursday, Oct. 29] proclaimed Port Manatee Day in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of the diverse port’s dedication.
Port Manatee container trade surges 54.6 percent in fiscal 2020
Port Manatee’s dynamic containerized cargo trade continues to swell at a record pace, surging nearly 55 percent in the just-ended fiscal year, according to figures reported today [Tuesday, Oct. 13].
Port Manatee promotes three, forms new department
Port Manatee has promoted three members of its professional team, effective today [Thursday, Oct. 1], and created a new communications and public relations department.
Port Manatee achieves homeland security C-TPAT recertification
With its implementation of enhanced cybersecurity measures, Port Manatee has earned federal recertification as a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program.
Port Manatee advances $8.3 million dockside yard expansion
PALMETTO, Florida – Port Manatee is advancing an $8.3 million project to nearly double the size of its dockside container yard with approval today [Tuesday, July 28] of a construction contract by the Manatee County Port Authority. The container yard expansion,...
Port Manatee awarded $813,090 federal security grant
Port Manatee is receiving a federal grant for $813,090, enabling advancement of multiple security-related enhancements.
Port Manatee registers $3.9 billion annual economic impact
Port Manatee’s annual economic impact comes in at more than $3.9 billion, with the port directly and indirectly generating 27,156 jobs, according to a report released to the Manatee County Port Authority.
Port Manatee Briefing for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Waterborne operations at Port Manatee remain uninterrupted, with its ability to move cargo not impacted. The port is monitoring the developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are following all protocols established by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is no disruption to port customers at this time. For information concerning specific changes in operations, please contact the stevedore or terminal operator directly. Please visit our newsroom tab for more information.
Port Manatee opens transfer facility, maximizing vital throughput
A new throughput-maximizing facility opened in early April at Port Manatee is helping speed shipments of fresh produce to consumers of Florida and beyond.
Port Manatee trade hub adds Chile office
The International Trade Hub at Port Manatee is further extending its network of global promotional representation with the opening of an office in Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile.
World Direct Shipping extends Port Manatee agreement, adds vessel
Port Manatee-based World Direct Shipping has extended its agreement with the Central-Southwest Florida seaport and added a third vessel to its rapidly growing weekly services across the Gulf of Mexico.
Manatee County Port Authority elects Whisenant Trace as chairwoman
Manatee County Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace has been elected to a one-year term as chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority, the governing board of Port Manatee.
Port Manatee security training earns Coast Guard certification
Port Manatee’s facility security officer training program – the only such approved course offered by a U.S. seaport – has earned new certification from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Port Manatee’s Zimmermann named International Propeller Club Member of Year
Port Manatee’s senior communications manager, Virginia Zimmermann, is The International Propeller Club of the United States’ International Member of the Year, selected from among more than 6,000 members throughout the world.
Port Manatee breaks fiscal year cargo records again
Port Manatee has again broken multiple fiscal year cargo records, including topping 10 million tons of total annual throughput for the first time in its 50-year history and enjoying a year-over-year increase of nearly 50 percent in containerized cargo activity.
Port Manatee, Kinder Morgan ink terminal lease extension
Port Manatee and longtime stevedoring tenant Kinder Morgan Port Manatee Terminal LLC have extended their lease agreement through August 2023, with options to continue cargo operations at a 5-acre waterfront site for as many as 18 additional years.
Port Manatee trade hub expands reach with four-city tour
Having just completed successful global business opportunity events in four Florida cities, the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee continues to expand its commerce-nurturing reach.
Port Manatee trade hub sharing opportunities in four Florida cities in four days
The International Trade Hub at Port Manatee is taking global businesses opportunities on the road again Aug. 26-29, with expo-style showcase events to be open to the public in four Florida cities.
Port Manatee awarded more than $1.4 million to bolster security
Port Manatee has been awarded $1,425,000 in federal funding to advance three projects to bolster security at the fast-growing Central-Southwest Florida Gulf Coast port.
Port Manatee shatters first-half cargo records
Port Manatee has enjoyed the busiest first fiscal half in its nearly 50-year history, shattering several key cargo records for the six-month period ended March 31.