Board Elects new Chairman
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Blair J. Ciklin has been elected as the new chairman of the Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners. During Thursday's Regular Board of Commissioners meeting, the fellow members of the five-member Port Board unanimously elected Ciklin. He succeeds Joseph D. Anderson as Chair.
Ciklin is the longest serving Port Commissioner on the board.
"I have watched the port grow from a small operation with minimal business to the strong economic engine it is today; handling more than $14 billion in commodities and supporting more than 3,800 jobs," Chairman Ciklin said. |
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Ciklin has spent his time at the Port focusing on the keeping the port in a strong financial position where it is entirely self-sustaining. |
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"Unlike other independent special taxing districts, the Port of Palm Beach does not tax residents living in the district. This has been a trend since 1975 and I plan to keep it that way,” Ciklin said.
His chairman role comes at a time when the Port is expected to experience major infrastructure changes.
“We are currently in the process of rewriting our Strategic Master Plan which will provide Port staff with development options that will optimize cargo throughput, expand our megayacht berth facility and grow our intermodal rail facility. This project will pave the way for the future of the Port,” Ciklin said. |
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Ciklin says he is optimistic there will soon be a boost in cruising at the Port of Palm Beach.
“My fellow board members and I are looking forward to working with our tenant, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, as the company rebrands as Margaritaville at Sea. The renovated ship, Margaritaville Paradise, will offer a unique cruising experience you will not find at any other Florida port,” Ciklin said.
The first Margaritaville Paradise sailing is scheduled for April 30.
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Dr. Jean L. Enright was voted in as Vice-Chair and Wayne M. Richards was voted as Secretary- Treasurer.
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Click here to learn more about each member of the Port of Palm Beach District’s Board of Commissioners.
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Dredging project to commence next week
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Dredging of the Lake Worth Inlet was scheduled to commence this week, but due to heavy weather, the dredge has been delayed.
The Atchafalaya is expected to begin operations Monday, January 24.
Read more about the $10.9 million project
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Executive Director provides insight on dredging Port Executive Director Manuel Almira spoke with Talk of the Palm Beaches Radio Host Penny Pompei about the dredging project. Almira provided the station's listeners with an in-depth explanation of the project and how it impacts our economy. |
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City of Riviera Beach postpones MLK parade
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Fiscal Year 2021 year in review
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Boutique yacht offers seasonal service from Port of Palm Beach
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For the first time in more than 15 years, SeaDream Yacht Club will offer seven-day voyages from the Port of Palm Beach to the Bahamas and Caribbean. SeaDream II, one of SeaDream Yacht Club’s luxury, twin mega-yachts provides a maximum of 112 guests a unique experience sailing the less-visited, intimate ports in the Caribbean (and Mediterranean during the summer months).
“The Port of Palm Beach is a great fit for SeaDream Yacht Club because of our berth availability and proximity to the Caribbean Basin,” said Port Executive Director Manuel Almira.
There are two round-trip Palm Beach voyages scheduled from Port of Palm Beach on January 16 and 23. An additional voyage is scheduled for January 30 that culminates in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The SeaDream II sailings from Palm Beach include port of calls in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Other Caribbean itineraries offered by SeaDream Yacht Club include the Leeward and Windward Islands, and the Lesser Antilles.
Seadream Yacht Club has planned a return to Palm Beach in April 2023, with a voyage sailing April 8 from San Juan, PR to Palm Beach, a round-trip Palm Beach voyage sailing April 15, 2023 and a transatlantic crossing departing Palm Beach to Lisbon on April 22, 2023.
SeaDream II, which accommodates a maximum of 56 couples and 95 crew members, arrived at the Port on January 10 for a private charter. |
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Board of Commissioners lease historic properties on Peanut Island to
Palm Beach County
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During the December Board Meeting, the Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a long-term lease agreement with Palm Beach County to operate three historic facilities on Peanut Island.
The County later approved the lease, making the agreement official.
The Port supports the County's plan to renovate and operate the John F. Kennedy Bunker, the old U.S.C.G. station and its boathouse for historical and educational purposes.
READ PALM BEACH POST NEWS ARTICLE |
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Meet the new Sugar Terminal Manager
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Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange has named Manuel Lezcano as its new sugar and molasses terminal manager.
Lezcano, known to many as Manny, spent 28 years working with Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative. He started off as a mechanic and worked his way up to Operations Manager.
"Manny's knowledge and expertise obtained over the years working within the sugar industry will be an invaluable resource to our organization. Manny is a proactive manager constantly striving to improve the quality and safety of the operations," said Michael Zally, Vice President and General Manager of Florida Sugar Molasses Exchange.
In his new role, Manny is responsible for the safety of the employees working the terminal and monitors the loading operations.
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Port of Palm Beach launches campaign to assist human trafficking victims
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In observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Port of Palm Beach is taking steps to prevent human trafficking by joining the Not Alone campaign, a nationwide campaign dedicated to encouraging victims of human trafficking to seek help.
The Not Alone campaign was conceived and launched by Rebekah Covington, a survivor of human trafficking and the Corporate Relations Manager at BEST (Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking).
Thanks to Covington’s vision, Not Alone is one of the first national campaigns to focus primarily on victim and survivor self-identification rather than general public awareness. As part of the campaign, Port of Palm Beach will be adding multi-lingual signage across our properties. In addition, Port of Palm Beach will be making BEST’s Ports to Freedom human trafficking prevention training available to employees and port workers throughout the month of January.
Manuel Almira, Port Executive Director stated, “We are doubling down on our commitment to ending human trafficking. By displaying these posters throughout our Port, we aim to make sure that anyone who sees them knows that they can get help.”
READ NEWS RELEASE
WATCH WPBF STORY
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Tropical Shipping supports next generation of maritime leaders
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Tropical Shipping recently donated $45,000 towards scholarship funds through the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation. Back in November, the foundation held a Gala and Anchor Awards ceremony that raised $640,000. The money will benefit aspiring Caribbean mariners who are pursuing degrees in the maritime field. Tropical Shipping's CEO Jeff Fiser and Rick Murrell, President and CEO of Saltchuk Logistics were among the honorees recognized for their work. The Port of Palm Beach contributed to the fundraising event with a half page sponsorship ad.
View Anchor Awards Magazine |
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line promotions
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line invites you to explore the ship and enjoy the endless opportunities of entertainment with these offers below.
Say So Long to a Classic
Begin the new year with one last adventure aboard our beloved Grand Classica. This January only, take advantage of our grand farewell sale to enjoy buy one, get one 50% off on all guest fares + 5 Free Drinks + Free Wi-Fi + $25 onboard credit! With over 10 original restaurants and bars plus our signature sail away party and variety shows, come away with us for one last escape.
Remember: It’s not good-bye, it’s sea you later.
BOOK NOW!
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Catch Tan Lines, Not Tuition Fees
Hello students! Grab your first mates, take your mind off class, and get ready to embark on a 2-day cruise. Your adventure includes unlimited food, entertainment, ocean views, and a fabulous day on Grand Bahamas Island – all for less than the price of a college credit!
As Little As $99 Per Student* Per Stateroom
*based on 4 guests
• Snap a selfie with our famous Bahamian pigs**
• Get close and personal while swimming with the dolphins**
• Enjoy all-inclusive access to Viva Wyndham
on Fortuna Beach*
BOOK NOW! |
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Enjoy Paradise on the Open Sea - Margaritaville at Sea sailing in April 2022!
Ready to experience Margaritaville’s signature fun and escapism and embark on a vacation journey that puts you in a new state of mind?
Join us onboard Margaritaville Paradise! Departing on her first passenger sailing on April 30 from the Port of Palm Beach Florida to Grand Bahama Island, Margaritaville Paradise will include 10 passenger decks and 658 cabins in various stateroom categories. Following a multi-million investment and refurbishment, the ship’s cabins and common spaces will feature Margaritaville’s signature casual-luxe design with subtle nautical details and colors influenced by the surrounding sea, sand, and sky.
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Port Executive Director named Palm Beach 100Congratulations to Port Director Manuel Almira for yet again, being selected as a member of this year's Palm Beach 100.
Almira was featured on the December edition of Palm Beach Illustrated along with other influential community leaders.
View Manuel's listing on page 31 |
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Santa Claus visits Port of Palm Beach
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Santa Claus made an early stop at the Port of Palm Beach.
He took a ride on the Port's locomotive, which hauls more than 14,200 railcars a year.
Santa thanked the rail crew for keeping goods moving in and out of the Port during the holiday season.
He also visited the Heavy Lift Services team while at the Port.
WATCH VIDEO
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Making a difference, together
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Thank you to all who donated to our Holiday Toy Drive. We exceeded last year's toy collection thanks to Tropical Shipping, Heavy Lift Services, CEMEX, Ozinga, CBP, Moffatt and Nichol and others who donated toys for children of all ages. Everyone who supported the toy drive gathered at Urban Youth Impact on December 17th to drop-off the donations. The nonprofit delivered the toys to children in Stonybrook neighborhood in Riviera Beach a few days before Christmas. Tropical Shipping also presented the organization with a $10,000 check. |
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January Port Employees Work Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following employee who is celebrating a work anniversary:
Manager of Contract Compliance and AR Tacaria Anderson Jones- 23 years
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Stay in the know During the November Board of Commissioners meeting, the board:
- Approved Peanut Island Lease Agreement with Palm Beach County
- Approved change order to the Annex Property Improvement Project
- Approved Invitation to Bid for Rail Rehabilitation Advance Materials Order
- Approved two-year agreement with Palmsol to provide Barracuda Networks Security, backup hardware and software support
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Upcoming Commission MeetingsYou're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings. - February 17 at 4 PM
- March 17 at 4 PM
- April 21 at 4 PM
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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In the last month, Port of Palm Beach was mentioned more than 100 times in news articles, TV stories, radio and on social media; totaling an audience of more than 49M.
Here are some of the highlights:
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