COVID-19 UPDATE
The Port of Palm Beach continues to remain open and operational. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port and its tenants did not want to skip a beat. We have focused on functioning safely, while at the same time remaining efficient so cargo can keep moving in and out of the Port.
Cleaning and disinfection remain top priorities. At least once a week, we have a company come in and spray disinfectant in the Maritime Office Complex. We continue to encourage social distancing and have enhanced space in places like our board room. Our reception desk on the 6th floor now has a countertop plexiglass shield that was built by the Port facilities team. All Port employees are required to wear face coverings in common areas.
Our employees have been working in the office at least three days a week and they will soon transition into the normal five-day work week.
Port employees and tenants should all be receiving daily e-mails with Palm Beach County and Riviera Beach COVID-19 updates. If you are not receiving these notifications, please e-mail the Port's Public Information Officer, Yaremi Farinas.
Our cruise terminal remains closed and the Port is using this time to beautify and deep clean the interior and exterior of the terminal.
You can stay you up date on how the Port is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, by visiting our COVID-19 alert page on our website. There you will also find links to the CDC, Florida Department of Health and other resources.
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CDC's symptom checker
Feeling sick? Check in with Clara, CDC's Coronavirus self- Checker, that can help you decide when to call your doctor. Answer a few simple questions and learn what you need to do ext so you can protect yourself and others.
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Meet our new Director of Business DevelopmentMichael Meekins was named Director of Business Development in April 2020. Prior to joining the Port of Palm Beach, Meekins served as the Senior Director of Cruise and Port Operations at Port Canaveral, FL. He was responsible for coordinating all operations for 644 cruise ships per year and over 3.6 million passengers, which generated over $80 million in direct revenue for the Canaveral Port Authority and $648 million in indirect revenue for the Port. Meekins was also the direct contact for all cruise and cargo business development and was assigned to coordinate all operations within the port on a daily basis. This included multiple restaurants, stores, marinas, three public parks, two sets of boat ramps, a 300 space RV Park and 4.5 acres of public beaches. During his time at Port Canaveral, the port more than doubled in volume and revenues.
Meekins also has experience in the aviation industry. He spent 10 years as a Senior Vice President of Operations, where he oversaw aviation operations in 52 cities across the country. During this time period, he was responsible for new route startup operations and ongoing oversight of ground operations.
Before that, Meekins worked as a contractor for the New York Power Authority as a Project Manager, overseeing multiple sub-contractors and projects.
One of his most proudest accomplishments is the time he spent in the military. He served 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a Jet Engine Mechanic, both ashore and deployed. His last tour of duty was onboard the U.S.S. Independence in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He then carried over his military career serving in the Air Force Reserves.
Email Michael Meekins...
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New LED lights installedThe Port of Palm Beach continues to optimize it’s lighting system by making energy efficient improvements. The port recently retrofitted four hi-mast lighting poles with 600 watts Musco LED fixtures. The lights were installed where Tropical Shipping operates. The new lights are lighter and more energy efficient.
"This project reduces the port’s carbon footprint on the environment by reducing energy usage, light spillage to waterways as well as adjoining neighborhoods and improves worker safety," said Kenneth Hern, Senior Director of Seaport Operations and Security.
The port will use a phased approach for replacing the other lights on port property.
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Fire engine, ambulance, fire gear & PPE donated to Abaco Islands
Palm Beach County has not forgotten about the Bahamas, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue donated the following to the Abaco Islands, which was devastated by Hurricane Dorian seven months ago.
- 2 fire engines
- 2 ambulances
- 80 bunker gears
- 10 boots
- 20 helmets
- seven scoop stretchers
- 10 generators
- 19 face shields
- 12 Tyvek suits.
Port tenant, Heavy Lift Services is handling the cargo. Thank you to all who made this happen including Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Palm Beach County and 25 United Disaster Relief.
Port of Palm Beach Commission Chairman Wayne Richards spoke with a local reporter about the Port and its tenants dedication to helping rebuild the Bahamas.
Watch video...
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 VP and General Manager of Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange, Michael Zally, pictured here during an interview for the project.
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Tenant SpotlightWe recently published our second "Tenant Spotlight" featuring Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange.
Watch video...
Feel free to share with family, friends, local educators and others in the community. |
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 Photo provided to us by Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange.
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Port Executive Director featured in documentary
It’s been a few years since Port Executive Director Manuel Almira was interviewed by filmmaker Michael Viveiros, who was making a documentary about President John F. Kennedy’s secret bunkers. Last week, Almira received news the documentary is complete and has been published online. The 13-minute documentary details the history of Kennedy’s secret bunkers, located in Nantucket and on Peanut Island. About 11 minutes into the short film, Almira shares the personal connection he has with the Kennedy bunker.
"I find it interesting that 58 years ago, while that bunker was being built, I happen to be a four-year-old boy in Cuba. I later learned the area that I am from in Cuba, would have been the first to be annihilate had war escalated to that point. So I look behind me and I am here today and I thank God nothing catastrophic happened," Almira said.
"All three facilities on Peanut Island are closed. In my opinion, both bunkers can be used for a museum. It is a wonderful attraction. It has historical value. Not only for people here in the United States, but also internationally," Almira said.
Watch documentary...
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Tropical Shipping keeps expandingPort of Palm Beach tenant, Tropical Shipping, expands its equipment fleet. The company added 250 new refrigerated containers. 50- 20 foot and 200- 40 foot. The containers are used to store refrigerated cargo exported to people living primarily in the Caribbean.
The reefer containers are part of the company’s plan to expand it’s refrigerated cargo service by utilizing the new three-acre refrigerated container yard constructed on Port property.
Watch video of stevedores unloading the reefers.
Tropical Shipping also added a new service to Suriname. The new eight-day service from the Port of Palm Beach started May 14th.
Watch video here...
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Monthly financials and cargo tonnage reports
We've published the monthly financials and cargo tonnage reports for the months of February and March. Tonnage and TEU's are up from last year, the number of rail cars are down and the number of cruise passengers is significantly lower due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read reports...
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 Port Commission Chairman Wayne Richards pictured here during an interview.
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Upcoming Commission MeetingsYou'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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