Margaritaville changes launch date to mid-May 

This month Margaritaville at Sea announced its new launch date. The cruise line's first passenger sailing is now scheduled for May 14 from the Port of Palm Beach. 

"Due to global shipping delays and in an effort to ensure the very best onboard experience, we have made the decision to postpone our first passenger sailing until May 14.  We apologize for the inconvenience this causes our guests, who we know are anxiously anticipating the opportunity to set sail with us to the Bahamas. With the launch of Margaritaville at Sea, we are bringing an entirely new dimension and global brand to cruising.  We appreciate the patience of our guests and partners as we embark upon this exciting endeavor," said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.

The cruise ship, soon to be Margaritaville Paradise, will be undergoing renovations for a few weeks while in wet dock in the Bahamas. 

The ship 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.

Cargo Tonnage Report

Highlights for the month of February 2022: 


-Vessel calls increased by 17.4% over the previous year. This is primarily due to the cruise line operating its regular schedule. 

-TEUs remain basically flat at 107,000 when compared to the same period last year. 

-Total railcars have increased by 17 percent from approximately  5,500 to 6,400.

-Overall total cargo tonnage increased has decreased slightly by 2.3% as a result of a significant tonnage decrease in sugar and molasses.

-Diesel fuel, cement and recyclable steel had an increase of more than 200%

-Break-bulk is also experiencing a significant increase of 22%

- Congratulations to South Florida Materials, Stonerock Shipping, Tropical Shipping and Host Agency who are all handling more tonnage. 
 

Dredging Project

The Lake Worth Inlet dredge project continues with a possible extension due to disruptions caused by mother nature.

To date, the Atchafalaya has dredged about 250,000 cubic yards of sand from the channel and the north extension of the turning basin. The sand was deposited on the northern shoreline of the Town of Palm Beach.

If the the extension is approved, crews would dredge sand that remains in the settling basin. The removal of the sane should allow us to go through the next season without draft restrictions and emergency dredge events. 

We have sent the soundings of the completed channel dredging to the harbor pilots and should receive an update from the pilots soon. 

Port staff members participate in Disaster Resiliency Workshop

the Palm Beach North Resilience Action Plan workshop that was held at the Riviera Beach Marina. The workshop was comprised of employees from municipalities, townships, the county, along with local business leaders. During the workshop, the group identified regional risks and vulnerabilities related to extreme weather, climate change, technology an public health. Participants came up with strategies to combat those risks and addressed who should implement the strategies. The Palm Beach North Chamber will compile the information and use to implement a regional disaster resiliency plan. 

Educating our Community

Florida Department of Transportation District Four is one of the port's most important partners. FDOT awards the Port grant funding which allows us to invest in the future of the Port. Some of the FDOT employees who work at the District Four office in Lauderhill have never visited the Port of Palm Beach. This month, FDOT employees who attended the Office of Modal Development Expo had an opportunity to learn about port operations and the projects that are in the works. The last time the expo was held was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The resumption of Port tours kicked off with a group of Palm Beach Gardens High School students. Director of Planning and Development Carl Baker provided the students with a presentation about the port's mission, operations and the role we play in the global supply chain.  The students later toured the port and stopped by everyone's favorite place at the port, the sugar warehouse. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers go above and beyond

Several CBP officers stationed at Port of Palm Beach assisted a world record transatlantic rower who traveled 4,500 nautical miles from Portugal to Riviera Beach. The British soldier named Jack Jarvis broke the world record in honor of his grandfather who died from a brain tumor. His journey raised money for the UK charity Braintrust. Once Jarvis touched land he was greeted by his family, CBP, City of Riviera Beach Police, Fire and City Manager Jonathan Evans. CBP spent almost two weeks coordinating Jarvis' arrival and confirming he had the proper documentation for a smooth entrance into the United States. 

Global Entry new hours of operation 

*Effective Sunday, May 15, 2022, Global Entry hours of operation will change to the following:

Appointments: Daily from 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM (Daily, excluding federal holidays) 

Walk-ins: 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM (Daily, excluding federal holidays) 

CEMEX promotes Workplace Eye Safety

Port tenant Cemex recognized Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month on March 31.

CEMEX employees handed out safety glasses to the hardworking maritime transportation workers moving cargo through Port of Palm Beach.

Health and Safety Manager Diego Lopez, Director of Logistics Santiago Penzini, Terminal Manager Matthew Horne and Human Resources Business Partner Ricza Harris were all in attendance.

They even treated port workers and Commissioner Katherine Waldron to a cookout.

Happy Retirement to the one and only Mac Maynard

After 14 years of service, Mac Maynard, the Port's Janitorial Worker, has retired. 

Everyone will tell you he is one of the most hardworking employees at the Port.

Mac has been an integral part of the Port since 2008. Thanks to him, the Port's common areas and offices are always nice and clean.
 
Mac played a large role in keeping us safe during the pandemic. He came into work every day to sanitize and maintain a clean workspace for everyone working in our administrative offices.
 
While we are sad to see him go and will miss him, we are excited he gets to sleep in and spend more time with his kids.

Landscaping Upgrades outside Maritime Office Complex

April Port Employees Work Anniversaries 

Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating a work anniversary:

Facilities Worker Barry Cato- 14 years  

Security Officer Anthony Harrel- 9 years

Security Officer Adrian Bryce- 5 years

Railcar Switchman Jordan Almodovar- 4 years

Director of Business Development Michael Meekins- 2 years 

Upcoming Commission Meetings

You're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings.  

• May19 at 4 PM
• June 16 at 4 PM
• July 21 at 4 PM

View agendas and minutes 

In the News

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Stonybrook transformed into
"Azure Estates"

You may do a double take next time you drive by Stonybrook apartments, located adjacent to Tropical Shipping's Corporate Office. 

The apartments underwent an $18 million upgrade including luxury finishes and security . The apartments have been renamed "Azure Estates." 

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Port Executive Director Manuel Almira and Board Vice Chairwoman Dr. Jean Enright presented Councilwoman Julie Botel and City resident Mary Brabham, with roses and a Port Centennial book as a thank you for being community champions and assisting with the project. The community clubhouse was dedicated to Dr. Botel and Brabham.