Port to handle record breaking number of mitigation reefs modules
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The Port of Palm Beach is currently handling a recording breaking number of mitigation reefs modules, which are being constructed and deployed as part of the Broward County Segment II Beach Nourishment and Restoration project. |
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The modules are built in the city of Okeechobee and then transferred to the Port by Port user, Walpole. The mitigation reef units that are concrete table structures with inlaid limestone boulders, are stored on port property.
The units are then loaded onto a barge, operated by Resolve Marine Group, and then double stacked. Resolve takes approximately two days to load about 360-400 units onto the barge. The reef modules are then transported to northern Fort Lauderdale where they are deployed into the ocean.
Completion of the project includes the transportation and installation of 4,114 units. The project is permitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. |
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Deputy Port Director and Chief Financial Officer Paul Zielinski retiring
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Port of Palm Beach Commissioners, Port Executive Director Manuel Almira and port staff would like to recognize Deputy Port Director and Chief Financial Officer Paul Zielinski for 15 years of service to the Port. Paul has been a valuable member of Port staff and we are sad to see him go.
"During my time here, I've managed to structure some unique agreements that will support the Port's decades to come. I also made some unforgettable lifelong friends along the way," Zielinski said.
His extensive financial and negotiation skills has helped the Port of Palm Beach produce significant results. For the past 10 years, the Port's operating revenues have grown substantially and debt restructuring has lowered interests costs significantly.
"When I leave here, I will leave the Port in a better financial position than when I got here. That was my goal and I am proud to say that working with the management team at the port, I've achieved that," said Zielinski.
Paul recently celebrated his 53rd wedding anniversary. Paul's retirement plans involve relaxing, spending time with his wife, traveling to see his eight grandchildren, join community clubs, work on his photography skills, play poker and work on home improvement projects.
He just started a Limited Liability Company and plans to occasionally work.
The Port family thanks Paul for his dedication and we wish him the best in this new chapter of his life.
Paul's last day in the office is August 31.
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise passengers return to
Port of Palm Beach
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On Monday, July 26, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Classica completed its first 2-night cruise since the pandemic halted operations 16 months ago.
The cruise line offers a 2-night cruise from Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers four to six night cruise and stay packages, inviting travelers to combine a fun 2-night cruise with a luxurious resort stay in Grand Bahama.
Home Town Heroes Sail Free to the Bahamas
In an effort to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has implemented extensive cleanliness protocol, and will adhere to all policies outlined and required by the CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.
Guests onboard will experience a clean, safe, enjoyable, close-to-home Bahamas vacation, with a full sailing schedule of back-to-back two-night round-trip cruises.
View Sailing Procedures |
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Port rail crew recognized for rail safety
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association awarded the Port of Palm Beach with a Jake Award of Distinction for achieving a perfect safety record with no reportable injuries in 2020. Since its inception in 1995, the Jake Award program has evolved into the premier safety award in the short line community. The Jake Award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Port's employees and management team. We want to thank Al Fawcett and his team for their unwavering commitment to rail safety.
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Port hosts multi-agency fire rescue drill
The Port of Palm Beach hosted three local fire departments for a joint fire rescue drill. The mutual aid drill included
a hazmat response, technical rescue, and fire training involving shipping containers provided by port tenant Tropical Shipping.
Firefighters from three different agencies, Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, trained together for a seamless response to mitigate the situation.
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Port hosts U.S. Virgin Islands Delegation
The Port of Palm Beach recently hosted U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and a delegation of Senators who were in South Florida meeting with Tropical Shipping.
The Executive Director of USVI Port Authority, and the CEO of USVI Economic Development Authority also participated. The delegation spoke with two of our commissioners, Chairman Joseph Anderson and Secretary/ Treasurer Dr. Jean Enright, Port Executive Director Manuel Almira and other Port staff members about the most traded commodities between the Port of Palm Beach and U.S. Virgin islands, port infrastructure and finances.
The delegation also toured Tropical Shipping's Corporate Office, the company's Miami Warehouse and Riviera Beach's Marina Village and Event Center.
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Port of Palm Beach to receive funding to help offset COVID-19 financial impactsGovernor Ron DeSantis and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault announced on July 29, allocation plans for $250 million in COVID-related financial relief for Florida’s seaports, including $4 million for the Port of Palm Beach.
“This much needed financial infusion will help ensure Florida’s ports continue to deliver necessities to businesses and consumers,” said Michael Rubin, President and CEO, Florida Ports Council.
The Florida Ports Council reports a loss of about 169,000 cruise jobs and nearly $23 billion in economic activity through 2020.
Waterborne trade value, for example, decreased 16.1 percent compared to 2019, which is a drop off of $14.1 billion.
"The relief funding will allow us to invest in infrastructure that will help us grow our cargo capacity and continue to be an economic driver in Palm Beach County and the state of Florida," said Port Executive Director Manuel Almira.
Read Florida Ports Council News Release
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Update on Tariff
The Port of Palm Beach held two tariff public hearings on July 27 and August 10. Port tenants got the opportunity to provide feedback on the tariff modifications and revisions.
Port staff is finalizing the proposed tariff that is scheduled to go before the Board of Commissioners in the September Board Meeting.
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Port Commissioners recognize COVID-19 heroes The Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners recognized Palm Beach County Health Director Dr. Alina Alonso and her staff for their dedication in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Alonso's staff worked with Port of Palm Beach staff to coordinate vaccination appointments both off and on Port property. Back in February, the department scheduled dozens of vaccine appointments for port workers and tenants at the Lake Worth vaccination site. Additionally, in June, the Port hosted two vaccine clinics in our cruise terminal, June 4 and June 11, where the department's nurses administered the Johnson and Johnson vaccine to more than 150 crew members. Board Chairman Port Commissioner Joseph Anderson presented Dr. Alonso and her staff with a plaque and certificates of recognition during the July Regular Board of Commissioners meeting. |
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Port workers recognized for saving woman's life Congratulations to Oscar Garcia for receiving a certificate of recognition for his courageous actions during an emergency situation on June 11, 2021 that resulted in a life saved. Oscar and Port Security Officer Dunstan Rainford safely rescued a woman who was clinging to a fender in one of our slips. Our Port Commissioners presented Oscar, who works at one of the terminals at the Port, with a certificate at the July Board Meeting. Security Dunstan also received recognition, but he was not present during the meeting.
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Monthly financials and cargo tonnage reports
The monthly financials and cargo tonnage reports for the month of April are now available on our website.
Read reports
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Watch Heavy Lift Services load an asphalt plant on multiple vessels
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August Port Employees Work Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating work anniversaries:
This month marks 17 years since , Jackelin Machado, Deputy Clerk, Supervisor of Records and Marketing Analyst , began her career at the Port.
Security Officer Yvonne Wallace for nine years of service.
Security Manager Rick Placeres has dedicated six years to Port of Palm Beach.
Security Officer, Bassam Gaballa, celebrates three years with the district.
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New COVID-19 requirements
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Port makes Juneteenth a Paid Holiday
During the July Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting, Port Commissioners adopted a resolution to formally recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday this year. Observed on June 19, the holiday commemorates the true end of slavery in the U.S.
Thank you to our Board of Commissioners for supporting the resolution.
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Upcoming Commission MeetingsYou're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings. - August 19
- September 16
- October 21
The public is welcome to attend the in-person board meetings held in our Board Room located on the 6th Floor of the Maritime Office Complex at One East 11th St Riviera Beach, FL. Face masks are strongly ENCOURAGED for all board meeting attendees. View agendas and minutes |
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Check out our new videos on YouTube
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