Maintenance Dredging Project Ongoing

The ongoing maintenance dredging project at Lake Worth Inlet is in full swing and is expected to wrap up by the end of this month. This critical $10 million initiative, funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is designed to enhance navigational safety by removing approximately 191,000 cubic yards of shoaling material from both the entrance channel and the settling basins.

To ensure safe and efficient operations, dredging activities are taking place around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until completion. The dredged material is being pumped and screened onto the adjacent beach at Palm Beach Island, immediately south of the inlet's south jetty.

As part of the project, there will be one more temporary closure of the inlet to remove the pipe from the mouth of the inlet. We will provide updates on dates and times of the closure, once we have the information. 

Boaters and navigators are urged to exercise caution during this phase and maintain safe distances from the dredging equipment. Low wake speeds and following posted signage and crew instructions are essential for public and dredge crew safety during these operations.

Margaritaville at Sea Offering All-New Themed Cruises in 2026

Margaritaville at Sea released its 2026 sailing calendar for the cruise line’s maiden vessel Paradise, offering exciting new adventures centered around major annual holidays, celebrations and events.

From the ultimate pre-party pregame to Key West for Fantasy Fest to the ship’s first-ever voyage to Cozumel in time for Cinco de Mayo, guests can find their perfect slice of paradise throughout the year. And, through March 31, Margaritaville at Sea is offering a 50% discount on all sailings aboard Paradise through Dec. 31, 2026 – plus, kids aged 3-12 sail for free!  

Click here to read full story here

Construction on Port Infrastructure Development Program

The Port of Palm Beach is currently in the middle of our $30M Port Infrastructure Development Program also known as the PIDP.

The recent construction at the MLK Railroad Crossing has been successfully completed as part of the PIDP. Significant improvements were made to enhance the safety and efficiency of the area. The existing 115-pound rail was upgraded to a more durable 136-pound rail, ensuring a smoother, safer ride for rail traffic.

In addition to the rail upgrade, the roadway was leveled, paved, and striped, providing a more reliable surface for truck drivers and motorists. 

Below is the updated hours of operation for Gate 5 (Southgate), Loop Road Access Gate and the Gate 2 Visitor Badging gate. 

Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact Director of Operations Rick Placeres at 561-383-4191.

Below are aerial photos taken in early March that capture the progression of the PIDP Project.

The PIDP 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

 Cargo Tonnage Reports

                                                            Actual            Prior Year Actual

TEUS                                      24,393          19,206                           

Rail Cars                                1,155            932

Raw Sugar                             62,500          28,700 

Cement                                  37,889          3,714

Liquid Asphalt                       2,556            2,079  

Molasses                                55,500          66,435

Recyclable Steel                    11,808          0

Break-bulk                              23,434          3,980

Caribbean Islands Brace for Impacts of Proposed US Port fee on Chinese- Built Cargo Ships

Slip 2 Culvert Repairs

Heavy Civil is currently repairing the outfall near berth 7. The project could take up to eight weeks. Below is a map that shows the traffic pattern Tropical Shipping will need to use during the project. 

Deadline to Apply for the Port's Summer Internship Program is April 20

The Port of Palm Beach is offering a paid Summer Internship Program for 2025 high school graduates (enrolled in college in 2025) and college/university of trade school students interested in gaining work experience. 

The eight- week internship program provides comprehensive training and hands-on experience in specific departments with additional opportunities to learn about various aspects of the Port and its operations beyond the intern’s primary duties.

The program runs from June 9 to August 1. 

Click here for more information

Click Here to Watch the 2024 Internship Program Overview Video 

Port of Palm Beach Hosts 

National Hay Association Members

The Port of Palm Beach recently welcomed members of the National Hay Association (NHA) during their mid-year meeting. The group had the opportunity to tour various areas of the port, including the Southeast Hay Distributors warehouse and the raw sugar warehouse, offering valuable insight into port operations.

For many NHA members, this visit was a first, as most do not typically engage with ports in the same way that Southeast Hay Distributors does. The tour highlighted the critical role ports play in the distribution of hay and animal feed, a major focus of the industry.

A key presentation by Tropical Shipping offered valuable data, revealing that in 2024, the company shipped 98 TEUs of hay and 1,680 TEUs of animal feed, with 863 TEUs originating from the Port of Palm Beach. Many Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas, Barbados, and Puerto Rico, are focusing on "Import Substitutions" in animal proteins, and these regions rely heavily on imports of hay and feed. Additionally, the strong equine and polo industries in destinations like Trinidad and Guyana are also significant markets.

As a token of appreciation for hosting the group, the NHA Executive Director Sue Arnold presented a plaque to Executive Director Michael Meekins. This event highlighted the port's vital role in global trade and the continued importance of collaboration within the agricultural sector.

Port of Palm Beach Leaders Speak at Florida Engineering Society 

March Breakfast

At the Florida Engineering Society’s March breakfast meeting, Carl Baker, Director of Planning, and Gary Dunmyer, Port Engineer, shared valuable insights into the Port of Palm Beach's ongoing projects and future infrastructure development.

Dunmyer provided an in-depth overview of the Port’s Infrastructure Development Program, detailing key projects currently in progress. His presentation highlighted the port’s commitment to enhancing its facilities and operations to support growth and meet the needs of the region’s trade and transportation sectors.

Baker also contributed to the discussion, focusing on the history of the Port.

The breakfast meeting served as an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration among industry professionals, further solidifying the Port of Palm Beach’s position as a leader in infrastructure development.

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville at Sea's Special Offers

Job Opportunities

Palm Beach Parking

Tropical Shipping

Truck Driver

Client Service Representative

Dispatcher

Documentation Coordinator

Senior Dispatcher

Traffic Manager

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

CEMEX

Driver Ready Mix

SSI Petroleum

Tank Wagon Marine Fueling Driver- Riviera Beach

Transport CDL Truck Driver- Riviera Beach

Fuel Dispatcher (experienced)- Riviera Beach

For more information, please contact SSI's Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.

            

About SSI Petroleum 

Ozinga

Terminal Operator

Terminal Laborer

Quality Control Technician

CDL Ready Mix Driver- Riviera Beach and Palm City

E.N. Bisso & Son Inc.

Service Technician

Upcoming Commission Meetings

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

• April 17
• May 15

View agendas and minutes 

March Workiversaries for Port Employees

Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating a workiversary:

Controller Daniel Kirchman- March 8th (15 years)

Receptionist Gilda McCarty- March 10th (3 years)

Several Port employees recently participated in the "Step It Up Challenge," a fun and healthy competition aimed at promoting physical activity and well-being. The challenge encouraged participants to track their steps over a set period, with the goal of achieving daily movement milestones.

Employees from various departments joined in, making it a team effort to boost fitness levels and support each other in reaching personal goals.

Kudos to all who participated and took steps toward a healthier lifestyle!

Port of Palm Beach Employees Celebrate March Madness with Snack Madness Event

Port of Palm Beach Sponsors 

The Children's Healing Institute's Annual Tea and Fashion Show Fundraiser

The Port of Palm Beach proudly sponsored the Breakfast at Tiffany's Tea and Fashion Show event, benefiting The Children’s Healing Institute. Port staff members Tacaria Anderson Jones, Director of Contract Compliance and Tenant Relations, Yaremi Farinas, Public Information Officer, and Raquel Rivera, HR Manager, were joined by Tina Dias, the VP of Gulfstream Line and Heavy Lift Services, to support this meaningful cause.

The event raised funds for the TEACUP Preemie Program®, which has been helping parents navigate the journey of prematurity since 2008. The program provides crucial resources, education, and emotional support to parents of preemies, both in the NICU and at home. The event’s success will help the program continue offering services such as hospital NICU support groups, baby supplies, and more, to ensure families are supported during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

This partnership exemplifies the Port’s commitment to supporting local communities and helping families in need.