MANATEE -- The free trade agreements, still to be signed by President Barack Obama, will be “very good for Florida” and good for Port Manatee, one port official said Tuesday.

Steve Tyndal, senior director of Trade Development and Special Projects, said because of Florida’s status as the fourth leading export state, being able to improve trade with Colombia, Panama and South Korea is a positive.

And with Port Manatee just completing its berth expansion allowing for containerized shipments, the port should be able to get its share of increased business activity, he said.

“We are the closest port to Colombia and Panama in Florida and that is going to be an important advantage,” Tyndal said.

-- Jennifer Rich