Port Tampa Bay Web Update
November 7, 2025
Port Tampa Bay Hosts Inaugural Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security
Port Tampa Bay was honored to host the inaugural Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security, bringing together leaders from defense, government, and industry to discuss critical issues in maritime safety and national security.
The event featured Florida Lieutenant Governor Jarrid “Jay” Collins, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass, and Port Tampa Bay Board Chairman Chad Harrod, along with partners from across the security and transportation sectors.
Hosted by the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute, the forum explored emerging threats, best practices, and collaborative strategies to strengthen security across Florida’s ports.
Learn more: University of South Florida – Florida Security Forum
Port Tampa Bay Participates in FDOT’s 2025 Fuel Supply and Disaster Readiness Workshop
Port Tampa Bay was proud to have Vice President of Operations Matthew Thompson speak on the “Pipelines Practice Lead” panel at the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2025 Fuel Supply and Disaster Readiness Workshop.
Matt shared insights on port operations before, during, and after storm events, with a focus on fuel supply and statewide distribution. He discussed how Port Tampa Bay plays a vital role in maintaining energy reliability and resiliency—not only during hurricane season but also throughout the year.
Port Tampa Bay thanks FDOT for hosting this important discussion that brought together public and private sector partners to strengthen Florida’s energy infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
Halloween on the Water in Tampa Bay
We love how Tampa Bay celebrates Halloween on the water each year. From family-friendly adventures to haunted maritime experiences, our partners and neighbors made the holiday truly memorable.
The Lost Pearl transformed into a not-so-haunted pirate ship for kids of all ages to enjoy festive fun on the bay, while the American Victory Ship & Museum welcomed brave visitors aboard UNDead in the Water to explore its eerie, haunted halls. Margaritaville at Sea brought Halloween to the high seas with a themed cruise full of adventure, and the Pirate Water Taxi offered a chilling nighttime tour through downtown Tampa that delighted passengers all weekend long.
Thank you to our partners and the entire Tampa Bay community for helping make the waterfront come alive with creativity and excitement this Halloween season.
Manatee Season Begins November 15
Manatee season officially begins on November 15. During this time of year, manatees migrate to warmer waters for the winter months.
Port Tampa Bay encourages all boaters to be extra vigilant—please reduce speed in manatee zones and keep a close lookout to help protect these gentle, iconic residents of Tampa Bay.
If you prefer to stay on shore, you can still enjoy manatee season by visiting Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, where manatees gather near the warm discharge canal of the Big Bend Power Station each winter.
In Case You Missed It: Port Tampa Bay Powers Growth Far Beyond the Waterline
In an op-ed published by the Tampa Bay Times, Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson and Tampa Bay Economic Development Council President & CEO Craig J. Richard, CEcD, FM, HLM, highlight how Florida’s most cargo-diverse seaport drives economic opportunity across every major industry—from energy and construction to agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
Together, Port Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay EDC are helping shape a regional economy built on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth that extends well beyond the waterfront.
Read the full column: Tampa Bay Times – Port Tampa Bay Powers Growth Far Beyond the Waterline
November Port Tampa Bay Board Meeting
The next regular business meeting of the Tampa Port Authority, d/b/a Port Tampa Bay, Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the Joseph Garcia International Center (1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602).
Public comment is welcome for anyone who signs in prior to the meeting. Speakers will be called in the order they sign up and have up to three (3) minutes each.
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 X for the latest news and updates.
