FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 21, 2026
CONTACT:
Port Tampa Bay hosts Maritime Expo connecting students
and job seekers with in-demand maritime careers
TAMPA, Fla. — Port Tampa Bay, along with the Propeller Club Port of Tampa, hosted its first-ever Maritime Expo on Wednesday, bringing together hundreds of local students and job seekers with maritime employers, educators and military partners to highlight high-demand careers that support the Tampa Bay region’s economy.
“Port Tampa Bay is a powerful economic engine for our region, and our success depends on a strong, skilled workforce,” said President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, Paul Anderson. “The Maritime Expo was about opening doors, helping students and job seekers see the real, accessible career opportunities available in the maritime industry and connecting them directly with the people and pathways that can get them there.”
“The maritime industry offers stable, well-paying careers that many students and job seekers don’t always realize are available right here in Tampa Bay,” said Kelly Hendry, immediate past president of the Propeller Club Port of Tampa and current education committee member. “By bringing employers, educators, and future workers together in one place, the Maritime Expo helps build a stronger talent pipeline and ensures our port community has the workforce it needs to grow for generations to come.”
The event welcomed approximately 800 attendees, including students in grades six through 12 from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties; adult continuing education students; local college students; and almost 40 exhibitors representing port tenant companies, maritime academies, military branches and the broader port community.
Attendees explored career pathways, spoke directly with industry professionals and learned about education and training options that support long-term success in the maritime sector. The Maritime Expo showcased a wide range of career opportunities within the port and maritime industry, including many stable, in-demand roles that offer competitive pay, with some positions
accessible through technical training, military service or other pathways beyond a traditional four-year degree.
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About Port Tampa Bay
Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest and most cargo-diverse seaport, serving as a critical gateway for global trade and travel. Strategically located on Florida’s west coast, the port spans more than 5,000 acres and provides efficient access to Florida’s largest consumer market and the broader Southeast.
A top 10 U.S. cruise port, Port Tampa Bay welcomes more than one and a half million cruise
passengers annually while handling a wide range of cargo, including bulk, break bulk, containers, refrigerated goods and roll-on/roll-off freight. The port is also a major center for shipbuilding and repair.
As a powerful economic engine for the region and the state, Port Tampa Bay supports more than 192,000 jobs and generates more than $34 billion in annual economic impact, advancing Florida’s growth across maritime, logistics, manufacturing, energy, construction and tourism sectors.
