Port Community Unites to Gift Smiles to More Than 200 Children in Riviera Beach

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Port of Palm Beach, its tenants and members of the community joined forces to create a magical season for the children of the Azure Estates neighborhood located in the City of Riviera Beach. 

With a shared commitment of spreading joy and kindness, Gulfstream Line, Heavy Lift Services,  CEMEX, Ozinga, SSI Petroleum, Tropical Shipping, United States Customs and Border Protection, Palm Beach Harbor Pilots, Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center and Forest Development donated more than 200 toys, exceeding the neighborhood's expectations. The donations ensure each child will be unwrapping a special gift they wished for, this holiday season. 

One of the long-standing Port tenants, Gulfstream Line and Heavy Lift Services went above and beyond to secure a shipping container from one of its clients, United Abaco Shipping Company. The container was used to store the toys during the collection period.

On Monday, December 4th, Eastern Freight trucked the container to Azure Estates. Port employees and volunteers with nonprofit, Urban Youth Impact, unloaded all the gifts. The nonprofit's volunteers will be handing out the gifts to the families during a community event. 

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Port of Palm Beach Welcomes New Director of Finance

Jeffrey Iserson, a seasoned financial executive, was appointed Director of Finance in November 2023. With an extensive background in non-profit and for-profit accounting, Iserson has a track record of developing and directing successful organizations and teams.

In his previous position as Chief Financial Officer at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, he demonstrated his expertise by managing diverse financial and administrative functions across multiple legal entities, with combined assets exceeding $561M.

His strategic leadership and financial intelligence were instrumental in overseeing the issuance of $536M in taxable and non-taxable bonds and implementing innovative processes and procedures that resulted in significant operational improvements and related cost reductions. 

Prior to his role at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, he served in the same capacity for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International. In this capacity, he managed financial functions for the Tribal government and its related entities domestically and internationally. 

Iserson holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. Thomas University, and an Associate of Arts in Accounting from the University of Florida. In 2019, Iserson received the CFO of the Year Award from the South Florida Business Journal. 

As a South Florida native, in his free time Iserson can be found spending time with his wife and children.  He also enjoys walking, biking, running, reading, and spending time outdoors.  

 Cargo Tonnage Report

                                                        FY 2023                FY 2022

Rail cars                               14,802                  16,029

TEUs                                   283,754                269,903

Break-bulk                          162,354                 106,178

Asphalt                                 93,339                 108,617                       

Cement                                90,466                  41,172

Recyclable Steel                  41,364                  53,776                     

Raw Sugar                           515,200                482,631

Molasses                              101,561                 108,526

ENCOURAGING LOCAL STUDENTS TO UNLOCK THEIR POTENTIAL

Empowering High School Students

This month, students from public high schools who are part of the Leadership Palm Beach County GROW Program, explored the fascinating world of their local port. The more than 50 students toured the raw sugar warehouse, witnessed cargo operations, and gained insights from Tropical Shipping's Learning and Development Specialist Vayia Gekas. The one-on-one session gave them the opportunity to ask various questions about the shipping industry and the port itself. 

The day ended with a sweet treat on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise ship and a tour the ship. 

Thank you to our business partners for accommodating our guests and providing top notch hospitality. 

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville At Sea News and Promotions

2024 HEROES PASS

AN INCREDIBLE OFFER, ONLY FOR HEROES

In gratitude for the tireless efforts of our front-line heroes who serve our communities, Margaritaville at Sea offers the 2024 Heroes Paradise Pass to all military, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, educators and government healthcare workers. The 2024 Heroes Pass provides all the benefits of the Ultimate Paradise Pass at an incredible price, offering qualified Heroes the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and explore The Bahamas through a year of cruise journeys with Margaritaville at Sea.

See important Terms and Conditions below.

For a limited time, lock in your Heroes Paradise Pass for an exclusive price of just $299 per pass. From there, get ready to experience the Margaritaville State of Mind all year long. Sip on poolside cocktails, try your luck at the Margaritaville Casino, or experience the magic of the Bahamas with exciting shore excursions. 

Did we mention each Heroes Paradise Pass allows you to cruise with a friend for FREE (taxes, fees, and port expenses not included)?

EXPERIENCE LIMITLESS PARADISE FOR ONLY $299!

This exclusive price is available only for military, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, educators, government healthcare workers and all GovX qualifying member groups. Get Your GovX Membership Today!

Here’s how the Margaritaville at Sea Heroes Paradise Pass works: 

• Book NOW and enjoy 2 extra months of limitless sailings - Passes are valid starting November 3, 2023!
• Unlimited non-consecutive 2-night sailings thru December 31, 2024
• Valid for Double Occupancy—bring a friend for free
• Must book 24-72 hours before departure
• Best available Ocean View or Inside Stateroom—assigned at terminal check-in
• Does not include taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, fuel surcharges, or onboard expenses
• Ultimate Paradise Passes are limited and while supplies last
• Pass Blackout dates: Nov 23, 2023; Dec 31, 2023; May 25, 2024; Aug 30, 2024; and Dec 31, 2024.

GET THE PASS

THE BEST CRUISE DEAL OF 2024

Escape to the crystalline blue waters of the Bahamas—again and again—with the Margaritaville at Sea Ultimate Paradise Pass. The first, and only, cruise deal of its kind, you’ll enjoy year-round access to all the relaxation of Margaritaville at Sea as you set sail to the tropical island paradise of Grand Bahama Island. See important Terms and Conditions below.

For a limited time, lock in your Ultimate Paradise Pass for just $999 per pass. From there, get ready to experience the Margaritaville State of Mind all year long. Sip on poolside cocktails, try your luck at the Margaritaville Casino, or experience the magic of the Bahamas with exciting shore excursions. 

Did we mention each Ultimate Paradise Pass allows you to cruise with a friend for FREE (taxes, fees, and port expenses not included)?

Experience Limitless Paradise for $999

Say goodbye to days spent daydreaming about your next vacation. Here’s how the Margaritaville at Sea Ultimate Paradise Pass works: 

• Book NOW and enjoy 2 extra months of limitless sailings - Passes are valid starting November 3, 2023!
• Unlimited non-consecutive 2-night sailings thru December 31, 2024
• Valid for Double Occupancy—bring a friend for free
• Must book 24-72 hours before departure
• Best available Ocean View or Inside Stateroom—assigned at terminal check-in
• Does not include taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, fuel surcharges, or onboard expenses
• Ultimate Paradise Passes are limited and while supplies last
• Pass Blackout dates: Nov 23, 2023; Dec 31, 2023; May 25, 2024; Aug 30, 2024; and Dec 31, 2024.

GET THE PASS

ULTIMATE STAYCATION

For the first time ever, Margaritaville at Sea is partnering with Margaritaville Resort Orlando to create the Ultimate Land and Sea Florida Staycation. If you aren’t quite ready to leave Margaritaville, then this offer is just for you!

Arrive early or stay late when you add a 2-night resort stay to your 2-night cruise to the Bahamas. Slow down, soak up the sunshine, and bask in the Margaritaville State of Mind with this one-of-a-kind cruise deal.

2-NIGHT RESORT STAY IN ORLANDO

Extend your stay with Margaritaville Resort Orlando and take advantage of the exciting on-site amenities and exceptional location. Make a splash at the Fins Up Beach Club just steps away from your room, indulge in relaxation at St. Somewhere Spa, or catch some live music at Euphoria Lounge. Plus, don’t forget to explore the surrounding area attractions, including Island H20 Water Park, the Promenade at Sunset Walk, and much more.

LAND + SEA STAYCATION PACKAGE DETAILS

Packages start at just $399* per person. Call a Margaritaville at Sea vacation specialist to reserve the Land + Sea Staycation cruise deal.

Land + Sea Staycation Packages include 2-night double occupancy standard hotel accommodations at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, hotel taxes and resort fee. Plus, a 3-day/2-night cruise on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise* from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island.

Packages do not include transfers between the Port of Palm Beach and Margaritaville Resort Orlando (or vice-versa), and guests are responsible for their own transportation between properties.

*Rates quoted are per person, based on double-occupancy inside stateroom and do not include Margaritaville at Sea cruise taxes, fees and port expenses ($94.40pp due at time of booking).

Learn more about Margaritaville Resort Orlando.

BOOK NOW AT (800) 814-7100

Vote Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island as Best New Cruise Itinerary

From now until Christmas, you can vote for Margaritaville at Sea as your favorite new cruise itinerary. 

The cruise line is up against 17 other cruise itinerary's that were nominated for the USA Today 10Best Reader's Choice Awards, 

According to USA Today, nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.

"Margaritaville at Sea combines the iconic Margaritaville lifestyle with a floating island vacation, from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island on this three-day/two-night sail. The cruise features nonstop casino action, thrilling live shows, and shore excursions like swimming with dolphins or snorkeling with turtles. The ship features a Stars on the Water Theater showing live concert and dance productions, so there isn't a chance you'll be without entertainment on this happening voyage," Vote for Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island as 2024's Best New Cruise Itinerary (usatoday.com).

Job Opportunities

Tropical Shipping

Apply Here 

Or Contact Human Resources to set up an interview today at careers@tropical.com

Heavy Lift Services/ Gulfstream Line 

Forklift Operators

Truck drivers      
                
Please contact President Glen Dias at glen@gulfstreamline.com or Vice President Tina Dias at tina@gulfstreamline.com 

Learn about Heavy Lift Services

SSI Petroleum

Fuel Dispatcher I

Transport/ Tank Wagon Drivers

Please contact Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.

About SSI Petroleum 

Palm Beach Parking

Southeast Hay Distributors 

Warehouse/ Forklift Operator

Semi-truck CDL Driver

Email resumes to sadams@southeasthay.com 

Port of Palm Beach administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 in observance of Christmas Day.
 

We will resume regular business hours Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 8:30 AM.

For immediate assistance call the Main Security gate at 561-383-4144.

Port of Palm Beach administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 1 in observance of New Years Day.
 
We will resume regular business hours Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 8:30 AM.

For immediate assistance call the Main Security gate at 561-383-4144.

December Work Anniversaries For 

Port Employees 

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

Facilities Worker Donta Smith- Two years (December 1)

Security Officer Juan Bedoya- 11 years (December 10)

Purchasing Manager Tracy Carey- 22 years (December 27)

Upcoming Commission Meetings

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

• January 18 
• February 15
• March 21

View agendas and minutes 

Listen To Board Meetings Online

Audio recordings of the Board of Commissioners Meetings are now accessible on the "Agenda Center." We have removed the webpage "Board Meeting Audio Recordings" from our website.

How to listen to meeting recordings?

1. Go to Agenda center
2. Scroll down to "Available Archives."
3. Locate the meeting you want to listen to and click on "Video" link adjacent to the "Agenda packet" link.

Please note, audio recordings of meetings prior to October 19, 2023, will only be available on the Port's YouTube channel. 

If you need assistance or have any questions, please email District Clerk Jackelin Machado.

Listen to the November 16, 2023 

meeting here

Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone!

South Florida Materials Terminal Manager Eduardo "Eddie"  Palenzuela is celebrating 20 years of dedicated service. With a career spanning back to 1972 in the petroleum industry, Eddie's journey began in Fisher Island in Miami-Dade County and unfolded across various cities and states, including Jacksonville, Brownsville, and Corpus Christi. In 2003, he joined the Vecellio Group, where he opened and managed the South Florida Materials Terminal at the Port of Palm Beach. Eddie's wealth of experience and unwavering commitment have been integral to the company's success. Eddie we are glad you are a part of the Port of Palm Beach Family.