A message from Port Tampa Bay to our customers, tenants and community
Fourth Annual Great Port Clean-Up Shatters Records
During the fourth annual Great Port Clean-Up, a record number of volunteers collected more than 100,000 pounds of trash, a 20,000 pound increase over last year’s total! This year, 1,072 volunteers collected 2,536 43 gallon bags worth of trash, preventing it from entering the waters of Tampa Bay. The event took place the Friday after Earth Day, April 26, 2024. The annual clean-up is hosted by Port Tampa Bay, the Propeller Club of Tampa Bay and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
Port partners and other dedicated community volunteers safely removed trash and marine debris from 36 sites in and around our port. In addition, 38,278 pounds of invasive plant species were removed. While the majority of this debris originated from outside of the port, the Port Tampa Bay maritime community is dedicated to doing their part to eliminate marine debris and support trash-free waters in Tampa Bay.
In 2021, the first-ever Great Port Clean-up won the American Association of Port Authorities’ Lighthouse Award of Excellence for Environmental Enhancement and served as a model for seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere. Additionally in 2022, Port Tampa Bay was honored with the top environmental honor from Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful for making a significant impact to their mission and received the Outstanding Partnership Award from Keep Florida Beautiful. Each year the event continues to grow, as we involve the maritime industry and members of the public.
Port President Participates in Annual Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors Meetings
Port Tampa Bay’s President and CEO Paul Anderson and VP of Government Affairs, Laura Lenhart, were Washington D.C. for the Coalition for America's Gateways & Trade Corridors annual meeting this week. Anderson currently serve as CAGTC's chair and prioritized discussion with key lawmakers around policies that will support trade corridors, gateways, intermodal connectors and freight facilities.
During the visit they met with several lawmakers, congressional staff and federal officials. Our participation in CAGTC expand trades and increase funding opportunities for America's infrastructure.
Registration is open for this year’s Safety Summit
Port Tampa Bay and Tampa International Airport are proud to announce the return of the ninth Annual Tampa Bay Safety Summit, This year’s Summit will include a vast range of local, state, and federal representatives. In addition to government professionals, the summit will feature a variety of industry experts to engage you with presentations and panel discussions relating to safety, security, and operational readiness, in an open forum setting. The summit will take place at the airport’s Main Terminal Event Space on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
This year’s Safety Summit will begin with welcome remarks from leaders from the port and airport and feature a variety of informative sessions focused on preparedness and resiliency. The event is free to attend but registration is required. More details, including an agenda and registration is available here: https://www.tampasafetysummit.com/
Reminder: PTB’s May Board Meeting
The next regular business meeting of the Tampa Port Authority, d/b/a Port Tampa Bay, Board of Commissioners will be conducted in person. The meeting will be held at Port Tampa Bay’s Joseph Garcia International Center (1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602). The May 21, 2024, meeting will have a quorum of Board members physically in attendance.
Anyone who wishes to speak during the meeting may do so by signing the Public Comments sign-in sheet that will be provided near the entrance of the Boardroom on the meeting day. The Chair will call on speakers by name in the order in which they have completed the online Public Comment Form. Up to three (3) minutes are allowed for each speaker.
Registration now open for this year’s BaySlam Fishing Tournament
Port Tampa Bay’s 8th Annual Fishing Tournament Returns in November. The annual fishing tournament, Port Tampa BaySlam, is one day, 5-species, catch-and-release style fishing tournament scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
Thank you to our title sponsor BRANDT, presenting sponsor Yacht Starship and new gold-level sponsor Yamaha North America for kicking us off this year for an exciting day on the water. For sponsorships and registration information, please contact Katie Mahoney at [email protected].
This year’s tournament will accept 45 boats and spots fill fast!