COVID-19 UPDATE
The Port of Palm Beach remains fully operational, while continuing to monitor the evolving impact of the Coronavirus.
The Port is keeping up with CDC guidelines. We are requiring everyone working or visiting the Maritime Office Complex to wear face masks. We also continue to encourage social distancing and frequent hand washing. Port presentations and tours remain suspended. As an alternative, we have created a "Port Overview" video that can be shared with groups and businesses wanting to learn more about the Port. Email the Port's Public Information, Yaremi Farinas, for more information.
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.
Our cruise terminal remains closed. In the meantime, the Port's Senior Director of Operations and Security, Kenneth Hern, has been working with the appropriate parties to address and plan for the reopening of the cruise terminal.
The Port continues to monitor COVID-19 updates released by Palm Beach County and the City of Riviera Beach. All employees and tenants should be receiving daily emails with the updates.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection extended the temporary closure of Global Entry Enrollment Centers to at least July 6th. This includes the center at the Port of Palm Beach.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP extended the period of time that Trusted Traveler Program applications remain active. Each applicant now has 485 days from the date that CBP conditionally approves his or her application to complete the enrollment process. In addition, CBP will extend for up to 18 months the Trusted Traveler Program benefits of members who apply for renewal before their current membership expires.
More information on Global Entry Centers...
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 Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Joseph Anderson and Port employee Stephanie King distributing food.
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Drive-through food distribution for families in need
The Port of Palm Beach has become the new drive-through food distribution site for nonprofits Hospitality Helping Hands and Feeding South Florida. More than 4,000 families, who are still struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 outbreak, have received foods and dry goods.
The events are held on Saturdays from 3PM-6PM. The drivers are staged behind he Southgate Facility.
Port Commissioner and Vice Chairman Joseph Anderson and Port Commissioner Katherine Waldron are among those who have attended the food distributions. Several Port employees have also volunteered.
Watch video of first distribution event.
The nonprofits are always looking for volunteers. You can sign up by contacting Hospitality Helping Hands and Feeding South Florida.
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announces new health & safety measuresAs Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line prepares for its return, it is putting its customers' health and safety front and center. The cruise line says it is following CDC guidelines and adding additional safety and protective measures. The company recently announced an extensive list of new preventive measures that encompass protocols for guest accommodations, common areas onboard the ships, recreational facilities, food hygiene and more.
A break down of all the health and safety measures can be found on the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line website.
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Port workers & tenants receive free reusable face masks
Port of Palm Beach staff members distributed reusable cloth face coverings to various Port of Palm Beach tenants, who continue operating during the COVID-19 crisis. Tenants distributed the masks to mariners, stevedores, truck drivers and other local essential maritime critical infrastructure workers. Port employees also received masks.
The masks are part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) multi-prong approach to keep essential businesses working, while continuing to limit the spread of COVID-19. The American Association of Port Authorities and the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration both helped facilitate the shipment of face masks to more than than 400 maritime transportation entities nationwide. |
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 Port Security Guard Peter Wright wearing new face mask.
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 Port facility workers Eklund Federicks and Todd Scaife thankful for washable face masks.
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 Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange Terminal Manager Humberto Diaz picking up face coverings for his employees.
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 Executive Director of POPB Seafarers Center Aaron Hoffman, Robert Davis and Chaplain Sandy Sears preparing donations. |
Port of Palm Beach Seafarers Center assists cruise ship crew members amid COVID-19
The Port of Palm Beach Seafarers Center stepped up to help crew members on the Grand Celebration who are in need of toiletries and hygiene products.
You can read the full story here.
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Hurricane Season begins
June 1st marked the start of hurricane season. While hurricanes can be unpredictable, there are actions the Port and its tenants can take to ensure the Port can withstand a storm. The Port of Palm Beach has updated its 2020 Hurricane Plan and shared it with all employees and tenants. The plan is published on the Port's website.
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.
Read Hurricane Plan...
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National Maritime Day 2020
Vessels at berth sounded four long blasts at noon on Friday, May 22nd in observance of National Maritime Day. The initiative, spearheaded by the American Association of Port Authorities, was a way to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of the port industry workforce in their collective efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring a steady flow of vital goods and services around the globe.
“The Port of Palm Beach has remained open and operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have focused on functioning safely, while at the same time remaining efficient so cargo can keep moving in and out of the Port. We understand people are depending on maritime workers for commodities used in our everyday lives, as well as goods needed to combat the virus,” said Port Executive Director Manuel Almira.
Read news release...
Watch video...
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Raw sugar shipments from Port increase significantly The shipping of raw sugar from Port of Palm Beach keeps growing with a whopping 168% increase in tonnage in the last year.
Our April cargo tonnage report shows so far this fiscal year, Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange has handled 78,900 tons of raw sugar. This time last year, the cargo volume was at 29,400 tons of sugar.
Read April's cargo tonnage report.
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Power transformer shippedPort of Palm Beach tenant, Port Contractors, recently oversaw and assisted the handling of a 345,800 pound transformer that arrived at the Port on rail. Our rail crew safely moved the transformer from the FEC interchange on MLK Blvd. to the dock. The transformer was then trans-loaded onto a barge using a specialized trailer. The transformer is now on its way to San Juan, Puerto Rico. |
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Monthly financials We've published the monthly financial reports for the month of April.
Read reports
Tariff reviewPort of Palm Beach is currently reviewing the Port Tariff. Tenants will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes during two public meetings that will be held before August. A notification will be published on our website and in the Palm Beach Post a week before the public meeting. Tenants will also receive an email prior to the meeting. Once the tariff is finalized, Port staff will present the new tariff to the Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners, during the August board meeting.
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Port infrastructure plan gains support
U.S. Senator Rick Scott recently wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of Port of Palm Beach’s application for a $13.2 million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant. The federal funding would allow the Port to more than double its intermodal rail capacity from 44,000 TEUs per year to 95,000 TEUs per year. The project will replace old rail with new, relocate the truck interchange, and install new radiation portal monitors for increased security, all of which will allow for more efficient operations.
Read Senator Rick Scott's letter of support.
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Southeast Hay Distributors expands warehouse hours
Port tenant, Southeast Hay Distributors, recently announced new hours for its warehouse. The company's warehouse is now open to the public on Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM. Southeasy Hay Distributors is located at 301 Broadway Avenue #4 Riviera Beach, FL. 33404.
Call 561-623-9009 to learn about what is currently in stock and ready for pickup or visit Southeast Hay Distributors website.
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Available storage space Merchants Market Group has available storage space in the 100,000 square foot warehouse where the company operates.
Here is breakdown of the available storage capacity:
Ambient storage -250 pallet locations
Air conditioned -100 pallet location
Refrigerated 45 degrees -250 pallet locations
Refrigerated 35 degrees 250 pallet locations
For more information e-mail Craig Knowles. |
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 Commissioner Katherine Waldron being interviewed by WPTV.
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Upcoming Commission Meetings- July 16 (Virtual)
- August 20
- Aug 17
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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