SeaPort Manatee will receive $9.5 million in emergency funding from the State of Florida to accelerate recovery efforts following the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the funding on Monday, October 14, during a visit to the port.

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“With this funding, we aim to minimize disruptions to Floridians and restore full operations at SeaPort Manatee as quickly as possible,” DeSantis said. “A strong supply chain is essential, and we’re committed to getting the port back to where it needs to be.”

Significant Damage and Immediate Priorities

Initial damage assessments indicate potential losses of up to $200 million at the port, affecting warehouses, berths, container yards, office spaces, and security systems. Governor DeSantis noted that not all losses will be covered by insurance.

The $9.5 million package will be allocated as follows:

1. $5.5 million for emergency berth repairs and dredging
2. $3.5 million for immediate security upgrades and access control
3. $500,000 for planning to fortify infrastructure against future events

Additionally, state agency staff and the Florida National Guard will provide support, including perimeter security, during recovery operations.

Steady Progress Amid Recovery Efforts

SeaPort Manatee has resumed fuel, food, and essential goods distribution to Southwest and Central Florida just days after the storm’s October 9 landfall.

Carlos Buqueras, executive director of SeaPort Manatee, credited the coordinated efforts between county, state, and federal partners for the port’s rapid recovery. “We’re operating in an almost normal manner already, and this funding will make all the difference in getting us fully back on track,” Buqueras said.

Kevin Van Ostenbridge, chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority, expressed gratitude for the state’s support. “This funding ensures we have everything we need to restore full operations at the port,” he said.

Strategic Trade Hub Supporting Regional Growth

Located at the intersection of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, SeaPort Manatee serves as a vital gateway for Southwest and Central Florida. The port is connected to key logistics networks, including the Tampa-Orlando I-4 corridor, and accommodates a variety of cargo, from containers to heavy-lift and bulk goods.

Generating nearly $7.3 billion in annual economic impact, SeaPort Manatee supports more than 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. It operates independently without relying on local property tax funding, reinforcing its importance as a self-sustaining trade hub.

The state’s emergency funding will help ensure that SeaPort Manatee, already crucial to the region’s supply chain, can fully recover and continue driving economic growth.