Port of Palm Beach Receives Award for Summer Internship Program

This month, the Port of Palm Beach received a Lighthouse Award from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) for excellence in administrative practices, specifically for its revamped Summer Internship Program.

Public Information Officer Yaremi Farinas and HR Manager Raquel Rivera received the award during the AAPA's Annual Convention in Boston. This is the first time the port receives an excellence award in the administrative practices category. Every year the AAPA, which represents more than 130 public ports in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, recognizes programs and projects that stand out as a beacon of excellence across the port industry.

The recognition is a testament to Port staff’s innovative approach and commitment to nurturing future leaders within the community.

The eight-week paid program, funded primarily through donations from several port tenants, offers a wide range of opportunities across various fields, including accounting, finance, procurement, administration, communications, human resources, IT, port operations, engineering, planning, and tenant relations.

Construction on Port Infrastructure Development Program

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) has achieved significant progress as it nears the 75% design review stage.

Key updates include the successful installation of intermodal rail tracks west of the Sky Pass bridge, enhancing the port's rail connectivity for seamless cargo movement. 

Port Infrastructure Development Program is set to enhance the Port's infrastructure and boost its operational efficiency. 

Key Enhancements:

• Revamped Main Port Gate: The redesign of the main port gate off MLK Blvd. will introduce additional lanes, streamlining truck entry and improving cargo transport efficiency within the Port.
• Advanced Truck Processing System: A new system will cut incoming container truck wait times by 50%, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing overall port operations.
• Expanded Freight Rail Capacity: The project will boost annual freight rail capacity by 116%, increasing it from 44,000 to nearly 100,000 TEUs. The addition of new rail tracks will also provide increased storage for rail cars within the port.
• Reduced Truck Traffic: By expanding intermodal rail capacity, the project will eliminate 29,000 truck trips annually from the congested Interstate 95 corridor and surface transportation network.
• Job Creation: At least 105 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase, providing a boost to the local economy

The design build project is a collaboration between the Port, Gonzalez & Sons Equipment Inc., HDR, PSA Management, Transystems and Moffatt and Nichol. 

The project is divided into four phases. 

Phase 1: rail tracks west of Slip 2, a parking lot west of the molasses tanks and the refrigerated container area just east of the Port's main entrance.

Phase 2: Open South Gate to traffic, construct south track area and section of South Port Road 

Phase 3: Open Main Gate to traffic, close old interchange, and construct North Port Road and Avenue E

Phase 4: Complete remaining items

View Groundbreaking Ceremony Video Here

Welcome Gay Dunmyer, Port Engineer

The Port of Palm Beach is excited to welcome Gary Dunmyer, PE, MBA, CGC, as its new Port Engineer. With over 30 years of civil engineering experience, Gary brings a wealth of expertise in project design, construction management, and infrastructure development.

Gary began his career in Palm Beach County, working as a private consulting engineer on major residential, retail, and municipal projects. He also played a key role at the South Florida Water Management District, where he managed a $70 million infrastructure rehabilitation program.

His notable projects include the Brentwood Shopping Center in California and the Boynton Beach Sara Sims Park rehabilitation. Over the past two decades, Gary served as the City of Boynton Beach's municipal engineer, overseeing a $40 million capital improvement program and managing the city’s road rehabilitation initiatives.

Gary's leadership and experience in strategic infrastructure planning make him a valuable addition to the Port, where he will continue to drive development and operational efficiency.

Slip 2 RO-RO Ramp Repairs Update

We are pleased to announce that construction on the ramp has been successfully completed. 

The project was completed on budget is expected to be back in service shortly.

Port of Palm Beach Kicks Off 

Annual Holiday Toy Drive 

The Port of Palm Beach is excited to announce its Annual Holiday Toy Drive, a cherished tradition aimed at bringing joy to children in our community. This year, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Belle Glade to provide gifts to children in the Glades. Our goal is to ensure that every child can experience the magic of the holiday season.

Gifts collected from now until December 9th, will be distributed at a local toy giveaway, where children will have the chance to choose their own special present. 

This initiative would not be possible without the generous support of our tenants. We are proud to share that we have already received a $1,000 donation from Port tenant Ozinga and a $1,500 donation from Gonzalez & Sons, setting a wonderful precedent for this year’s drive.

We invite everyone to join us in making a difference! 

You can drop-off your donations at 1 E 11th St., Ste. 600 Riviera Beach, FL. 33404. 

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Yaremi Farinas at 561-319-0098 or by email at yfarinas@portofpalmbeach.com.

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville at Sea Offers FREE Cabins for Heroes in Honor of Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, Margaritaville at Sea is offering a limited number of FREE* double-occupancy cabins to qualifying Heroes and a guest on Bahamas sailings beginning January 2025. The offer applies to U.S. military service members (active duty and veterans), police, firefighters, EMS personnel, nurses, and educators. 

Plus, Heroes can save an extra 20% off all retail offers on any cabin, any day, all year long. This special offer will give travelers a chance to enjoy an easy-breezy getaway to The Bahamas and Caribbean aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise when booked between Nov. 11 and Dec. 3. 

To receive this exclusive offer, Heroes must qualify through GovX.com or at margaritavilleatsea.com/offers/Heroessailfree/.

Job Opportunities

Palm Beach Parking

Heavy Lift Services 

Forklift Operator/ Truck Driver

Email Glen Dias at glen@gulfstreamline.com or Tina Dias at tina@gulfstreamline.com

Tropical Shipping

Admin Services Leader

Import Department Leader

Contact Human Resources to set up your interview today at: apernsteiner@tropical.com or lvelez@tropical.com 

CEMEX

Terminal Operator- 2 positions

Operator Truck Lift

Supervisor Block Plant

Leadman Block

View more career opportunities here

SSI Petroleum

Tank Wagon and Transport CDL Drivers-Riviera Beach and 

Fort Lauderdale

Mechanic Assistant-Belle Glade

Fuel Dispatcher

Please contact Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.

About SSI Petroleum 

Ozinga

CDL Bulk Driver

Upcoming Commission Meetings

You're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings.  

• November 21
• Dec. 12 

View agendas and minutes 

November Workiversaries For 

Port Employees 

Congratulations to the following employees who is celebrating a workiversary:

IT Systems Administrator James Aikens- November 5th (4 years)

Locomotive Engineer David Pierce- October 9th (12 years)

Security Officer Evins Daniel- November 8th (18 years)

Deputy Director Beatrice Greffin- November 8th (14 years)

Security Sgt. Jeff Farr- November 9th (18 years)

Accounts Payable Specialist Maria Matthews- November 10th (16 years)

Security Officer Lenworth Palmer- November 22nd (7 years) 

Assistant Director of Operations & Security Keith Leggett- November 28th (13 years)

Listen To Board Meetings Online

Audio recordings of the Board of Commissioners Meetings are now accessible on the "Agenda Center." We have removed the webpage "Board Meeting Audio Recordings" from our website.

How to listen to meeting recordings?

1. Go to Agenda center
2. Scroll down to "Available Archives." Locate the meeting you want to listen to and click on "Video" link adjacent to the "Agenda packet" link.

Please note, audio recordings of meetings prior to October 19, 2023, will only be available on the Port's YouTube channel. 

If you need assistance or have any questions, please email District Clerk Jackelin Machado.

Port of Palm Beach Sponsors Soiree for Seagrass at Manatee Lagoon

Members of the Port of Palm Beach community gathered at Manatee Lagoon for the 3rd Annual Soiree for Seagrass fundraiser, an event dedicated to supporting vital seagrass restoration efforts in the region.

Event sponsor and port tenant CEMEX was represented by Terminal Manager Matthew Horne and his wife Chelsea.

Port tenants Glen and Tina Dias, who are the President and Vice President of Heavy Lift Services and Gulfstream Line also attended. 

The highlight of the evening was a special opportunity for attendees to meet renowned marine conservationist and artist Guy Harvey, the event's guest speaker. Harvey, known for his work advocating for ocean conservation, shared his insights on the importance of protecting marine ecosystems like seagrass beds, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coastal waters.

The fundraiser raised vital funds to support ongoing seagrass restoration projects in the area, with a focus on preserving local wildlife habitats and enhancing water quality. The event was an important gathering for those invested in the Port of Palm Beach's role in preserving the natural environment while fostering community collaboration.

Event sponsor and port tenant CEMEX was represented by Terminal Manager Matthew Horne and his wife Chelsea.

Port of Palm Beach administrative offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29, 2024 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will resume regular business hours Monday, December 2, 2024, at 8:30 AM.

The Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners and its staff wish you a harvest of blessings, good health, and good times. 

For immediate assistance call the Main Security Gate at 561-383-4144.