Operations at Port Manatee roll on despite pandemic. New study pegs impact at $3.9 billion
At a time when much of the business world has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic, operations at Port Manatee are full steam ahead.
The port has not received any COVID-19 related funding, has remained fully operational, and has not experienced any significant disruptions in business operations.
Tuesday, the port reported to the Manatee County Port Authority that its annual economic impact is more than $3.9 billion, with the port directly and indirectly generating 27,156 jobs.
“As this new study underscores, Port Manatee is abundantly fulfilling its mission to serve as a powerful catalyst of countywide economic growth and hub of trade-related activity,” Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee’s executive director, said in a press release.
The study was conducted by Lancaster, Pa.-based Martin Associates. The report is modeled on the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2019, during which Port Manatee broke numerous cargo records, including surpassing 10 million tons of total throughput for the first time in its 50-year history.
“While it is difficult to predict ultimate effects of present global challenges, Port Manatee is safely maintaining waterborne operations, including moving cargoes destined for food banks and shelters,” said Buqueras, citing the more than 70,000 boxes of fruit donated by longtime port tenant Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. “Even in times of worldwide uncertainty, the people of Manatee County know they can continue to count upon Port Manatee and its stakeholders to furnish a solid socioeconomic cornerstone.”
The $3.9 billion impact is up more than 65 percent from the $2,380,202,000 figure in the last similar report, which was based upon 2006 data. Overall jobs generated by Port Manatee activity rose 33 percent.
Port Manatee officials attribute much of its success to the diversity of its cargo mix, which ranges from tropical produce and citrus juices to gasoline and granite to phosphates and forest products.
“A diverse base of activity has been vital to Port Manatee’s sustained ability to contribute so substantially to the well-being of Manatee County and beyond,” Priscilla Whisenant Trace, chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority, said in the press release. “Meanwhile, strategically expanding port infrastructure and nearly 5,000 acres of surrounding green space provide ample opportunities for even greater impacts in the future.”
