On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the state would invest $9.5 million to help SeaPort Manatee recover from Hurricane Milton.
The seaport is the primary deep-water seaport in Southwest Florida and sustained potentially $225 million in damages from the October storm. The seaport receives fuel, fruits and vegetables, appliance, construction materials and wood for distribution across the state and the Southeast. Many of the port’s losses are insured, the governor said, but some components are not. Damage includes the loss of 10 on-site warehouses, three port-owned docking facilities and damage to the port offices.
“This action to get SeaPort Manatee back to full operations will benefit the people of Florida, ensure the hardening of our infrastructure for future disasters, and ensure normal life is resumed for Floridians as soon as possible,” DeSantis said. “Taking action to address these impacts now is imperative to keep Florida on the road to recovery.”
The state’s investments include $5.5 million for emergency berth repairs and dredging in state waters, $3.5 million for immediate security needs, and $500,000 to support planning for fortifying port infrastructure. DeSantis also directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide subject matter experts, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to expedite all permitting, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to provide support in navigating the FEMA award process. Additionally, the Florida National Guard will provide personnel to establish perimeter security and repair the port fence.
“With the major impact that seaports have on our state’s economy and the quality of life for our residents, it’s critical that we ensure our seaports are open and fully operational, particularly SeaPort Manatee given the significant damage they sustained following Hurricane Milton,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said.