Port Tampa Bay Weekly Web Update
February 20, 2026
Steve Finnesy Recognized Upon Retirement
Port Tampa Bay recently recognized Tampa Port Ministries Seafarers Center Chaplain Steve Finnesy at its most recent Board meeting in celebration of his retirement and decades of dedicated service to the maritime community.
Throughout his tenure, Finnesy worked tirelessly to support the men and women who serve at sea, helping strengthen the Seafarers Center’s mission and its impact across the port community. His leadership and compassion have made a lasting difference for visiting mariners and their families.
Port Tampa Bay extends its sincere appreciation to Steve for his partnership, commitment and meaningful contributions to the maritime industry in Tampa Bay. We wish him all the best in his retirement.
Port Tampa Bay to Attend TPM26 in Long Beach
Port Tampa Bay will attend TPM26, the premier global conference for container shipping and supply chain leaders, taking place March 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in California.
TPM brings together senior-level executives from ocean carriers, beneficial cargo owners, logistics providers and port authorities for high-level networking, negotiations and industry discussions that help shape the year ahead in global trade.
During the conference, Port Tampa Bay representatives will meet with shipping partners and supply chain stakeholders to highlight the port’s strategic location along the I-4 Corridor and its role serving one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the Southeast.
Team members will be available for meetings throughout the event.
Read more on our website’s Cargo Overview.
Alafia Banks Sanctuary Restoration Enhances Critical Bird Habitat
Port Tampa Bay, in partnership with Audubon Florida and Mosaic Co., has completed targeted rehabilitation efforts at the Richard T. Paul Alafia Banks Sanctuary to improve nesting conditions and strengthen long-term habitat resilience.
The sanctuary, designated as a Critical Wildlife Area, consists of two former dredge material islands at the mouth of the Alafia River that now provide predator-resistant nesting habitat for 17 species of waterbirds, including five state-threatened species.
Recent improvements stabilized island features, restored suitable nesting surfaces and enhanced resilience to erosion, storms and sea-level rise. These efforts reflect Port Tampa Bay’s ongoing commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship while supporting the ecological health of Tampa Bay.
Read more about the restoration project here.
Port Tampa Bay Hosts Tampa Steel Conference
Port Tampa Bay hosted the 37th annual Tampa Steel Conference this week in partnership with Steel Market Update, one of the nation’s longest-running steel industry conferences.
Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Greg Lovelace opened the event before industry leaders addressed market conditions, trade trends and emerging challenges facing the steel sector.
As Florida’s largest steel port, Port Tampa Bay welcomed executives from across the industry for strategic dialogue and networking, reinforcing the port’s role as a critical hub for steel imports and distribution throughout the region.
Reminder: Port Tampa Bay Invitational Golf Tournament Set for April 24
Port Tampa Bay and its partners will host the 12th Annual Port Tampa Bay Invitational Golf Tournament on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Eagles Golf Club in Odessa, Florida.
The four-person scramble format will include on-course contests and interactive elements, concluding with lunch and an awards ceremony.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit Tampa Port Ministries’ Tampa Seafarers Center and the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation, supporting maritime workforce development and seafarer services.
For more information on registration or sponsorship opportunities, please visit this link.
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