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Port Tampa Bay will be hosting its 13th annual Hurricane Preparedness Exercise on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The agenda will feature insightful presentations from the U.S Coast Guard, Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group (PHWAG), Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management and a scenario-based discussion led by the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service will also lead the discussion on past seasons, outlook for the upcoming season, useful storm product updates and provide a thought-provoking Situational Storm Scenario.   

"Port Tampa Bay is deeply committed to resiliency and emergency preparation, including for natural disasters like hurricanes. Our port is an energy gateway for Central Florida and it is critically important that our maritime community remains vigilant and proactive against inclement and severe weather. We take pride in working with our emergnecy response partners to remain prepared and vigilant all year long," explained Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President & CEO. 

Each year, the Hurricane Preparedness Exercise is held with the National Weather Service to refine and improve our response to a storm. We extend this invitation to all port stakeholders and partners, including federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency offices, tug and vessel operators, harbor pilots, terminal managers, agents, and other relevant entities. The meeting is open to the public and designed to help several emergency response agencies talk through a response to a severe storm. 

As another hurricane season approaches, Port Tampa Bay remains steadfast in our commitment to mitigating risks and enhancing emergency preparedness, ensuring the continuity of operations and the safety of our communities.

Port Tampa Bay is honored to serve the state, our community, and most importantly, you – our neighbors. As a community, we are stronger together.