Central Florida: Florida’s Largest and Fastest-Growing Region
With more than 8 million residents and 60 million visitors annually, Central Florida is the state’s largest and fastest-growing region.
Port Tampa Bay is strategically located at the center of this growth, connecting Florida’s vibrant economy to global markets. Our location along key transportation corridors — including the I-4 Corridor — uniquely positions the port to deliver superior inland transit times for container shipping lines looking to build a Florida-first supply chain.
This advantage is further strengthened by new and expanding container services that connect Tampa to key global markets, including the Mediterranean and Cartagena–Tampa Shuttle Service. These partnerships are driving growth in Florida’s import and export capacity, improving supply chain resiliency, and creating new opportunities for businesses across the region.
As population, tourism, and commerce continue to expand, Port Tampa Bay remains committed to investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and services that drive regional and statewide prosperity.
Port Tampa Bay at the Global Produce & Floral Show
Port Tampa Bay is participating in the Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place October 16–18, 2025, in Anaheim, California. Billed as the world’s largest fresh produce and floral expo, the event brings together growers, shippers, retailers, and logistics professionals from around the world to explore next-generation technology, bold ideas, and game-changing connections shaping the future of global trade.
If you’re attending #GPFS2025 in Anaheim, be sure to stop by Booth #3020, where our team is ready to welcome attendees and discuss how Port Tampa Bay continues to expand opportunities for cold chain, perishable cargo, and supply chain growth.
Learn more: Global Produce & Floral Show
Port Tampa Bay at the Florida Supply Chain Summit
Port Tampa Bay recently attended the Florida Supply Chain Summit, joining industry leaders, government officials, and logistics experts from across the state to discuss the future of supply chain development and trade in Florida.
Chief Financial Officer Michael B. Poole represented the port on a panel alongside executives from Port Everglades, Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), and PortMiami, focusing on how Florida’s seaports collectively strengthen global trade networks and support the state’s economic growth.
The discussion highlighted the ports’ shared priorities in advancing infrastructure investment, supply chain resiliency, and sustainable growth, ensuring that Florida remains a leader in global commerce and logistics innovation.
Learn more: Florida Supply Chain Summit
Port Tampa Bay Hosts Annual Cruise Season Kickoff Luncheon
This week, Port Tampa Bay hosted its Annual Cruise Season Kickoff Luncheon for Fiscal Year 2026 at Cruise Terminal 6. This annual event brings together all of the port’s day-to-day cruise operations partners — each playing a vital role in helping Port Tampa Bay meet the needs of our cruise line partners and passengers. The meeting highlighted accomplishments from the past season and previewed what’s ahead.
Fiscal Year 2025 closed with approximately 370 cruise ship calls and more than 1.6 million passengers passing through Port Tampa Bay’s three cruise terminals. Looking ahead, the 2026 season is projected to welcome 394 ship calls and over 1.8 million passengers — a new milestone for Tampa’s cruise business.
This winter, Royal Caribbean will homeport Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Rhapsody of the Seas, along with Celebrity Cruises’ Constellation. Carnival Cruise Line will homeport Carnival Paradise and Carnival Miracle. Norwegian Cruise Line will homeport Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Star. Margaritaville at Sea will homeport The Islander.
The summer lineup includes Enchantment of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, Carnival Paradise from Carnival Cruise Line, and The Islander from Margaritaville at Sea.
A heartfelt thank you to all our cruise partners and the Port Tampa Bay team for their hard work and dedication — both today and throughout the year. Together, we’re ready for another successful cruise season at Port Tampa Bay.
Margaritaville at Sea Launches Early Access Black Friday Promotion
Port Tampa Bay was featured in Travel Market Report this week in coverage of Margaritaville at Sea’s Early Access Black Friday promotion. The story highlights cruise offerings sailing from Tampa and the growing excitement for the upcoming holiday travel season.
Margaritaville at Sea has quickly become a fan favorite for travelers looking to combine adventure, relaxation, and the signature Margaritaville experience—all sailing directly from Port Tampa Bay.
Cruise operations play an important role in our region’s tourism and economic vitality. Port Tampa Bay continues to welcome an expanding lineup of cruise partners and itineraries, helping drive local spending, hotel stays, and visitor experiences across the Tampa Bay region.
Read more: Travel Market Report – Margaritaville at Sea Launches Early Access Black Friday Promo
The 9th Annual Port Tampa BaySlam is Almost Here
The 9th Annual Port Tampa BaySlam fishing tournament is just weeks away! This downtown Tampa tradition is a one-day, five-species, catch-and-release style tournament that brings together participants from across the maritime, logistics, and business communities.
The event benefits the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation and the Tampa Seafarers Center, supporting education and community services connected to our port.
A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, BRANDT®, and to all our participants and supporters who make this event possible.
Learn more and register: Port Tampa BaySlam
October Port Tampa Bay Board Meeting
The next regular business meeting of the Tampa Port Authority, d/b/a Port Tampa Bay, Board of Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Port Tampa Bay’s Joseph Garcia International Center (1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602).
Anyone who wishes to speak during the meeting may do so by signing the Public Comments sign-in sheet provided near the entrance of the Boardroom on the meeting day. The Chair will call on speakers by name in the order they signed in. Each speaker has up to three (3) minutes.
More details: Board Meeting Notice
Stay Connected
Stay tuned for next week’s update as we share more highlights from our events and initiatives. In the meantime, follow Port Tampa Bay on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X for the latest news and updates.
