Port Infrastructure Development Program Set for Completion in Coming Months

Construction Progress

• CES Building has been turned back over to CBP for use.  The stairway on the north end is still under construction but will be completed in August. 
• Main Gate has two open lanes (one ingress/one egress).
• The CBP secondary inspection area is scheduled to be completed and in service in August.
• The main gate commissioning shall be completed in September/October.
• The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for November.

The PIDP is set to enhance the Port's infrastructure and boost the Port's operational efficiency. 

Key Enhancements:

• Revamped Main Port Gate: The redesign of the main port gate off MLK Blvd. will introduce additional lanes, streamlining truck entry and improving cargo transport efficiency within the Port.
• Advanced Truck Processing System: A new system will cut incoming container truck wait times by 50%, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing overall port operations.
• Expanded Freight Rail Capacity: The project will boost annual freight rail capacity by 116%, increasing it from 44,000 to nearly 100,000 TEUs. The addition of new rail tracks will also provide increased storage for rail cars within the port.

• Reduced Truck Traffic: By expanding intermodal rail capacity, the project will eliminate 29,000 truck trips annually from the congested Interstate 95 corridor and surface transportation network.
• Job Creation: At least 105 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase, providing a boost to the local economy.

The design build project is a collaboration between the Port, Gonzalez & Sons Equipment Inc., HDR, PSA Management, Transystems and Moffatt and Nichol. 

The project is divided into four phases. 

Phase 1: Rail tracks west of Slip 2, a parking lot west of the molasses tanks and the refrigerated container area just east of the Port's main entrance.

Phase 2: Open South Gate to traffic, construct south track area and section of South Port Road.

Phase 3: Open Main Gate to traffic, close old interchange, and construct North Port Road, Avenue E and install radiation portal monitors. 

Phase 4: Complete remaining items.

Cruise Terminal Parking Project Update

This project has been completed.  All the new parking spaces, pavement markings, and wheel stops have been installed. The new layout changed how traffic is routed to the gate. The changes are safer, more efficient and provide 50 new parking spaces.

Cruise Terminal Canopy Project

The purpose of this project is to provide cruise passengers with refuge from the Florida weather as they travel between their car and the terminal.

• The canopy frames have begun to arrive.
• The contractor is excavating the footing for the canopy frame posts.
• The frames will be installed, followed by a new sidewalk.

Elevator Modernization

The purpose of this project is to update and refresh the elevators that serve the cruise terminal and Administration Offices.

• One of the two elevators serving the cruise terminal has been completed and is in service.
• As of this newsletter’s printing, one of the main lobby elevators is being rehabilitated. It should be completed in early November.
• The second terminal elevator will be taken out of service in September and return to service in mid-October.
• All elevators will be complete by June ’26.

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast Tours Tropical Shipping's Headqaurters

Proud to see our tenant Tropical Shipping highlighted for the vital role they play in keeping our supply chain strong!

"It was great to stop by Tropical Shipping in Riviera Beach to see that impact firsthand. Our supply chain stays strong thanks to dedicated local companies," Congressman Mast said on social media. 

 Cargo Tonnage Reports

                                                           Year-to-Date    Prior Year-to-Date

TEUS                                      200,755         194,467                         

Rail Cars                                9,869             10,168

Raw Sugar                             495,700          452,716

Cement                                  221,013          140,384

Liquid Asphalt                       99,334            89,763

Molasses                                178,700         174,957

Recyclable Steel                    45,403           38,070

Break-bulk                              135,149         129,591

Tropical Shipping Adds to its Equipment Fleet

Honoring the Legacy of Longtime Palm Beach Harbor Pilot Bill Messer

The Port of Palm Beach proudly reflects on the life and service of Bill Messer, who dedicated 32 years as a harbor pilot guiding vessels through our waters. Bill was not only a highly respected mariner but also a cherished member of the port community whose passion for the sea and compassion for others left a lasting impact. 

Bill’s maritime career began at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point (USMMA), where he was trained to serve as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Known for his academic excellence and unwavering loyalty to his classmates, Bill forged lifelong friendships during his time at Kings Point.

Bill was also deeply committed to helping others. His generosity was evident in his everyday actions, and he further extended that legacy by creating a foundation to support those in need. 

One of Bill's achievements that gave him the greatest pleasure was when he learned to fly an airplane. After completing the required lessons, he earned his pilot's license and went on to obtain his instrument rating. Bill loved the freedom he found in flying, soaring above the ground gave him a sense of independence and adventure that nothing else could match.

Bill Messer’s legacy lives on through the people he inspired and the port he served so faithfully. He will be remembered not only for his maritime expertise, but for his adventurous spirit, selfless heart, and unwavering dedication to those around him.

Intern Showcase and 

Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon

We held our first Intern Showcase and Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon on July 30. The summer interns provided an overview of the different projects they completed and the activities they attended during the eight weeks. 

Commissioners Dr. Deandre Poole,Wayne Richards and Executive Director Michael Meekins presented certificates of completion to the interns and appreciation awards to the program sponsors.

Supporting our Local Teachers and Students

Margaritaville at Sea Invites Guests to "Sail the Haunted Seas" Starting September

This Halloween, Margaritaville at Sea is serving up tricks, treats and trouble on September and October sailings. During Sail the Haunted Seas, guests can climb aboard for ‘spirited’ Halloween cocktails, an immersive line-up of themed thrills and daring nights that are anything but quiet. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in their wickedest costumes for these frightfully fun haunted sailings. 

Guests can enjoy “Sail the Haunted Seas” on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (September 8 – October 31 sailings) — with eerie entertainment around every corner. 

The signature line-up of Halloween programming includes: 

• Haunted Venue Takeovers – From the Hemis-fear Dancer to the Fright Flop Bar, fan-favorite venues around the ships have been reimagined into new haunts. 
• White Hot Neon Nightmares – The line’s legendary glow party, now possessed with eerie beats, creepy cocktails, and glowing face paint.
• Potent Potions – Bubbling brews that are equal parts spooky and sippable.
• Candy & Chaos – Dueling scream-alongs, Halloween trivia, and more wickedly good fun.
• Wicked Wins – A costume contest for castaways, creatures, and everyone in between.
• Themed Entertainment and Surprise Pop-Ups – you never know when a little mystery or a fright may pop-up during sailings on the Haunted Seas!

Celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day 

Sail with Margaritaville at Sea Labor Day weekend and celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day at sea with events, community, and giving back to charitable causes, like Singing for Change. 

They'll do what Jimmy did best — connect, quietly make noise, and “keep the party going!"

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville at Sea's Special Offers

Job Opportunities

Palm Beach Parking

Tropical Shipping

Document Coordinator

Training Specialist

Port Checker

Cargo Handling Specialist

Contact Human Resources to set up your interview at apernsteiner@tropical.com 

Heavy Lift Services/ Gulfstream Line

Checker

Forklift Operator

Truck Driver

For more information, please contact Vice President Tina Dias tina@gulfstreamline.com or President Glen Dias at glen@gulfstreamline.com.

CEMEX

Operator Terminal

Driver Ready Mix

Sales & Use Tax Accountant

SSI Petroleum

DOT Safety/ Compliance Manager- Riviera Beach 

Sales Representative- Greater Area of Palm Beach

Fuel Dispatcher (experienced)- Riviera Beach

For more information, please contact SSI's Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.

            

About SSI Petroleum 

Ozinga

CDL Ready Mix Driver

Quality Control Technician

Terminal Laborer

Upcoming Commission Meetings

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

• September 18
• October 16
• November 20

View agendas and minutes 

August Workiversaries for Port Employees

Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating a workiversary:

Security Officer Austin Doiron- August 2 (3 years)

Security Officer Bassem Gaballa- August 9 (7 years)

District Clerk and Senior Manager of Administration Jackelin Machado- August 19 (21 years)

Director of Operations and Security Rick Placeres- August 20 

(10 years)

Serving Our Community

This month, we welcomed the Greater West Palm Beach Women's Club to the Port.

Members toured our facilities and learned about the Port's operations and the vital role we play in driving economic development in our county, state and region.