Preventive measures against COVID-19 The Port of Palm Beach continues to monitor developments of COVID-19.
We have created a page on our website that details how we are handling the pandemic. There, you will also find resource links that give you up to date information on the outbreak, the most recent Marine Safety Information Bulletin issued by the United States Coast Guard and vessel reporting requirements for sick or deceased individuals.
"Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and visitors. Our goal is to achieve this while maintaining an operational port. My team and myself will continue to be in communication with federal, state and local partners as we all combat this pandemic," said Executive Director Manuel Almira.
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On March 6th, Almira attended a COVID-19 discussion spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio. Almira, provided the group with an update on the port's status.Later that day, he and Commissioner Katherine Waldron, attended a second COVID-19 meeting with Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Congressman Ted Deutch.
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Port Security Grant Program application deadline extended
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On Friday, March 20th, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it extended the Port Security Grand Program submission application deadline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA pushed the deadline to April 30th. The announcement came just hours after Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Manuel Almira asked Congressman Brian Mast for an extension, during a COVID-19 conference call.
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Gulfstream Line/ Heavy Lift Services see increase in cargo tonnage In the past five months, the Port of Palm Beach has handled approximately $500 million in cargo to Grand Bahama Island. More than $105 million in cargo to Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands and $16 million to Nassau.Long time port tenants Gulfstream Line Inc. and Heavy Lift Services, have handled cargo for numerous non-profits organizations needing to ship supplies specifically to the Abaco Islands.
“We are exporting everything you can imagine that’s needed to rebuild a home,” said Tina Dias, Vice President of Gulfstream Line/ Heavy Lift Services.
Tonnage statistics highlight a 42 percent year-to-date total increase. The sister companies handled 27,893 tons of cargo from October 2019 to December 2019 versus 19,586 tons the same period in 2018.
“I think we are nowhere near the end of donated goods. There is still a lot coming through and a lot being talked about,” said Joey Dias, who is a third generation stevedore with Heavy Lift Services.
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Port of Palm Beach Commission Chair Wayne Richards speaks at Palm Beach North Chamber's Business Before Hours In an effort to increase our community involvement, Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners, Executive Director Manuel Almira and other staff members participated in the Palm Beach North Chamber's Business Before Hours breakfast. Board Chairman Wayne Richards spoke to the crowd about the port's 100-year history, why we are an economic engine and how we are an essential lifeline to the Caribbean.
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Upgrades to warehouse occupied by Merchants MarketPort of Palm Beach's 100,000 square foot warehouse, occupied by Merchants Market, has been under renovation. In January, the Board of Commissioners approved for port staff to award a bid to WGM Quality Painting, Inc. The company has spent the last few weeks painting the exterior of the warehouse. Port of Palm Beach District budgeted approximately $36,000 for the project, scheduled to be completed this week.
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Port of Palm Beach hosts networking event for Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Port of Palm Beach Vice-Chair Joseph Anderson, Commissioner Dr. Jean Enright and Executive Director Manuel Almira welcomed members of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during a networking event held at the Port. The group, made up of local business leaders, learned about different cargo operations at the port, as well as the economic impact we have on the state and local levels.
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Palm Beach harbor pilots recognized for their workThe Palm Beach Harbor Pilots received the "Best of Riviera Beach" award for being loyal tenants of the Riviera Beach Marina. The harbor pilots continue to help captains safely navigate vessels in and out of the Port of Palm Beach. In addition to ensuring the safe navigation, the Palm Beach Harbor Pilots know the intricate details and local conditions of the waterways and channels that surround our port and are called upon by port authorities to assist with the planning of new seaport development and new ship operations.
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Well-known research vessel berths at POPB.RV Petrel is a 76.45-metre research vessel owned by the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The ship is named after the sea bird petrel. The vessel and its expedition crew discovered the World War II, USS Indianapolis shipwreck in August of 2017.
Here is a look inside the RV.
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New electric vehicle charging stationsPort of Palm Beach employees and tenants can now charge their electric vehicles while at work. Florida Power and Light installed four electric vehicle charging stations in our parking lot.
“Free charging for electric vehicles is a state-of-the-art employee benefit that aligns with our organization’s sustainability goals and will help motivate more drivers to get behind the wheel of these environmentally friendly cars and trucks,” said Port Executive Director Manuel Almira.
For instruction on how to use the EV charging stations, email Public Information Officer Yaremi Farinas at yfarinas@portofpalmbeach.com
Read news release.
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Upcoming Commission MeetingsKeep in mind, the following meeting dates are subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings, held at 4:00 pm in the Board Room, on the 6th Floor at the Port's Maritime Office Complex (MOC). The MOC is located at 1 East 11th Street in the City of Riviera Beach. Agendas and Minutes are posted on our website: bit.ly/2nBZbh6.
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Connect with us on Social MediaWant to stay connected with the Port? Follow us on these social networks: - Facebook: @PortofPalmBeachDistrict
- Twitter: @PortofPalmBeach & @ManuelAlmiraPPM
- Instagram: portofpalmbeach
- LinkedIn: Port of Palm Beach
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