Port Infrastructure Development Program Set for Completion in Coming Months

Construction Progress

• Main Gate has two open lanes (one ingress/one egress).
• The main gate commissioning shall be completed in September/October.
• The ribbon cutting ceremony has been postponed!

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 provide increased rail car storage 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.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Mullins Property Complete

Project consisted of converting 1.75 acres of pervious land area into an industrial Port staging area. 

Key Improvements included:

• 386 LF of Exfiltration Trench
• 60 LF of Trench Drain
• Relocated the main entrance to Mechant's
• 900 LF of 8" DIP water main- creating a looped watermain connection

Part of the space is currently being used by Gonzalez and Sons as a staging area. 

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.
• Soon the footing and posts will be installed followed shortly by the 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.
• Currently, 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-November
• All elevators will be complete by June ’26.

Repairs near the Sugar Gantry

The asphalt is failing due to subgrade compaction issues. The Port is in the process of bidding the repair and replacement.

 Cargo Tonnage Reports

                                                           Year-to-Date    Prior Year-to-Date

TEUS                                      225,899         218,522                         

Rail Cars                                11,032             11,391

Raw Sugar                             543,210          500,716

Cement                                  269,569          140,384

Liquid Asphalt                       99,334            107,748

Molasses                                178,700         205,010

Recyclable Steel                    45,403           38,070

Break-bulk                              154,320         132,941

The Florida Ports Council Board of Directors has elected its slate of officers for fiscal years 2025-2027. 

• Michael Meekins, Port of Palm Beach Executive Director, was elected Chair

• Hydi Webb, PortMiami Port Director and CEO, was reelected Vice Chair 

• David Wirth, Enterprise Facilities Planning Manager at Port St. Pete, was reelected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer

Meekins was named Executive Director of the Port of Palm Beach in 2023. His career is steeped in logistics leadership experience, including serving as the Port of Palm Beach Director of Business Development before being promoted to the Executive Director role. Additional leadership roles include previous service as the Port Canaveral Senior Director of Cruise and Port Operations, holding a senior vice president of operations position in the aviation industry, and serving as a project manager leader with the New York Power Authority.

“It’s an honor to receive the confidence of port directors from across the state entrusting me to serve and represent Florida’s 16 seaports,” said Michael Meekins, Executive Director of the Port of Palm Beach. “Florida’s seaports play a vital role in the state’s economic development, and are a critical part of our supply chain to ensure that Floridians have much needed food, fuel and healthcare supplies.”

Maritime industry expert Hydi Webb will use her nearly 30 years of experience in cruise and cargo business development in continuing to serve as the FPC’s Vice Chair. As Port Director at Port Miami, Webb oversees the growth and development of one of the world’s leading cruise ports and one of America’s fastest-growing container ports.

David Wirth, Enterprise Facilities Planning Manager at Port St. Pete, will continue in his position as Secretary/Treasurer for the FPC Board of Directors.

“As a leading maritime state, Florida’s seaports work hard to ensure that Floridians have access to critical commodities essential for our growing economy. I’m confident that our new slate of officers will work to ensure Florida’s cargo and cruise industry continue to outperform others,” said Mike Rubin, President and CEO, Florida Ports Council.

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville at Sea's Special Offers

Job Opportunities

Palm Beach Parking

Tropical Shipping

Department Secretary

Traffic Supervisor

Port Equipment Operator

Training 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

Driver Semi

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

CDL Bulk Driver

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:

Executive Assistant Karen Emery- September 1 (9 years)

Facilities Superintendent Al Fawcett- September 9 (29 years)

Director of IT Richard Laird- September 11 (22 years)

Facilities Work Michael Barnes- September 18 (2 years)

Procurement Administrator Phillip Ford- September 25 (2 years)

Port of Palm Beach Beauty Shot

Serving Our Community

This month, we invited Manatee Lagoon Manager Meredith Rollo and her team to the Port to see our operations and learn about our environmental initiatives.

This month, we also provided a presentation and tour to members of the Palm Beach County School District Transition Team to educate them on the job opportunities available to local students after high school. 

The countdown is ON!

Just two months until Manatee Lagoon's Manatee Season Kickoff on Nov. 15, 2025! 

As the temperature drops, gentle giants make their way to Manatee Lagoon’s warmer waters, and it’s our chance to protect them when they need us most.

Join Manatee Lagoon in raising awareness and celebrating manatees this season.

Learn more: http://spr.ly/6180ffMw8