Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Multi-Million Dollar Renovations |
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Margaritaville at Sea Paradise has been refreshed with exciting new upgrades throughout the ship. Guests can enjoy the reimagined High Tide Market buffet, 12-Volt Pool and Bar, casino, Euphoria Lounge, and newly renovated passenger corridors, and much, much more.
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In the News: Executive Director Showcases Cruise & Terminal Upgrades |
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Executive Director Michael Meekins spoke to WPBF News about the work that was completed while the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise ship was in dry-dock undergoing renovations. The Port's maintenance team used the time to perform work needed in the terminal including addressing the floor, painting, and lighting. They also completed projects outside and improved the traffic flow by relocating the ride share and drop off area. Everyone is now using the same entrance to get to the terminal. |
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Blair Ciklin Reelected as Chair for the Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners
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The Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners has reelected Commissioner Blair Ciklin as Chairman of the Board, reaffirming its confidence in his long-standing leadership and vision for the port’s continued growth and success. Chairman Ciklin is the longest-serving commissioner on the Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners. He has played a pivotal role in guiding the port through a period of significant business expansion and financial strength.
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“It’s exciting to see the new businesses that have come to the Port of Palm Beach and the strong financial growth we’ve achieved over the past several years,” said Chairman Ciklin. “I look forward to continuing to lead the board as we focus on responsible growth, strengthening our partnerships, and generating revenue that supports the port and our tenants.” The Port of Palm Beach is proud to be financially self-sustaining, operating without the use of taxpayer dollars from district residents since 1975. The port’s business model continues to prioritize reinvestment, operational efficiency, and long-term economic value for tenants and the region. In addition to Chairman Ciklin’s reelection, the board also elected the following officers for 2026: |
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-Commissioner Dr. Deandre Poole, reelected as Vice Chairman -Commissioner Varisa Lall Dass, newly elected as Secretary/Treasurer |
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The Board also includes Commissioner Wayne Richards. The board currently has one vacant seat representing Group 3.
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FDOT Leadership Visits Port of Palm Beach to See Record Growth |
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This month, our Board Chairman Blair Ciklin, Vice Chair Dr. Deandre Poole and our Executive Director Michael Meekins had the pleasure of welcoming Florida Department of Transportation Chief Strategy Officer Dan Fitz-Patrick back to the Port of Palm Beach.
His last visit was in 2019, and it was great to show him how far we’ve come in the past few years. Reached a gross revenue of $27M, marking the highest revenue earned in more than two decades Diversified cargo profile Cargo tonnage reached an all-time high of 2.8M tons in 2024 Completed a $30M project that expanded our freight rail capacity, redesigned our main entrance and automated the truck processing system
We appreciate the FDOT's ongoing partnership and support as we work together to keep Florida’s supply chain strong and moving forward. |
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Cruise Terminal Canopy Project
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The purpose of this project is to provide cruise passengers with refuge from the Florida weather as they travel between their car and the terminal.
- Seventy-five percent of the canopy structure has been installed.
- Project to be completed by the end of March.
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Elevator ModernizationThe purpose of this project is to update and refresh the elevators that serve the cruise terminal and Administration Offices. - Two of the five elevators serving the Port have been completed and are in service.
- One elevator that has been completed and was in service, has been taken out of service due to a hydraulic line failure. We have scheduled the repair.
- Currently, one of the main lobby elevators is being rehabilitated. It is expected to be completed in April.
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Repairs Near the Sugar Gantry |
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The scope of the repairs has been modified to include - The replacement of the trench drain on Slip 3’s RoRo ramp
- The mill and replacement of asphalt that has settled around 12 vaults in the Tropical Reefer Yard.
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Warehouse 13 Modernizaton Project Kicked Off This Week - Project started in January.
- The roof and siding will be removed and replaced in phases, allowing the building to remain fully operational during construction.
- The interior lighting will be upgraded, and structural repairs will be made to the columns.
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Cathodic Protection- Bid is being presented to the Board for a recommendation to Award on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
- Construction proposed to begin in March.
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As part of our ongoing initiative to keep our Port clean and beautiful, we’re excited to announce the addition of three new hopper trash bins! These bins will be conveniently located at Berths 11, 14, and 17 and will be emptied as needed. Please note, these bins are designated for general litter and debris only. Do not dispose of operational waste, hazardous materials, or international trash in these containers. We ask that you continue to follow your standard trash removal procedures for those items. Please, if possible, post the flyer in your office and share it with your contractors who do not frequent the port. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a clean and safe Port environment! |
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Cargo Tonnage Reports(October 2025 to December 2025)
Year-to-Date Prior Year-to-Date TEUS 80,463 69,953 Rail Cars 3,414 3,723 Raw Sugar 124,100 130,500 Cement 110,729 58,429 Liquid Asphalt 29,227 24,750 Molasses 34,402 61,349 Break-bulk 33,102 24,248 |
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Florida Atlantic University
This year marks the first-ever partnership between the Port of Palm Beach and Florida Atlantic University's Government and Non-Profit Internship Program. The program sponsors FAU students to work at the Port, with the university covering the cost, giving students valuable real-world experience while providing the Port with additional support and fresh perspectives. Meet our Spring 2026 Interns: |
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Applications for the Port of Palm Beach Summer Internship Program Open March 9th |
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Communications that Keep Cargo Moving The Port of Palm Beach was proud to welcome members of the Public Relations Society of America’s Palm Beach Chapter for a special Lunch and Learn hosted by Public Information Officer Yaremi Farinas. The session offered an inside look at how strategic communications play a critical role in port operations and regional commerce. From coordinating with tenants and trucking partners to sharing timely updates with stakeholders and the community, effective communication helps keep cargo moving safely and efficiently. Clear messaging strengthens partnerships, supports supply chain reliability, and ensures transparency during both daily operations and major projects. |
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Florida Harbor Pilot Remembered The maritime community is mourning the loss of Captain Phillip Brady, 46, a dedicated Florida harbor pilot serving in Panama City. Captain Brady tragically passed away on January 12, 2026, following a fall while disembarking a vessel. Despite immediate rescue efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Captain Brady served the state of Florida for six years and was widely respected for his professionalism and commitment to safety. He is survived by his fiancée and two young children. Harbor piloting is an essential but inherently dangerous profession, requiring mariners to board and disembark moving vessels in challenging conditions. The Port of Palm Beach Family extends our heartfelt condolences to Captain Brady’s family, friends, and fellow pilots during this difficult time. |
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National Cruise Day
In celebration of National Cruise Day on February 3rd, we proudly recognized our cruise partner, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, and showed our support for an industry that brings unforgettable experiences to our Port. |
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Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We were honored to participate in this year’s City of Riviera Beach MLK Parade alongside our dedicated Port family. Our hardworking staff proudly joined Port Commissioner Deandre Poole in celebrating the life, legacy, and enduring message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you to the City of Riviera Beach for bringing the community together in unity, service, and remembrance. |
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Standing as a Harbor of Hope in the Fight Against Human Trafficking |
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We were inspired by Rebecca Bender, who shared her powerful story of surviving human trafficking and highlighted how easily an average girl or woman can be vulnerable to exploitation. We’re proud to stand with local partners raising awareness, supporting survivors, and working to end human trafficking in Palm Beach County. |
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Margaritaville at Sea's Special Offers
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Upcoming Commission Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend the in-person board meetings held in our Board Room located on the 6th Floor of the Maritime Office Complex at One East 11th St. Suite 600, Riviera Beach, FL.
Scheduled Meetings: March 19 April 16 May 21
View agendas and minutes |
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February Workiversaries for Port Employees |
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Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating a workiversary: Moses Mim: Janitorial Worker (1 Year) |
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Honoring 20 Years of Service |
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The Port recently hosted a retirement luncheon in honor of Harbor Master Aaron Hoffman, who celebrated his 20 years of dedicated service. Throughout his two decades at the Port, Aaron played a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vessels, helping keep operations running smoothly day in and day out. His steady leadership and commitment to maritime safety have left a lasting impact on the Port community. You can expect to see Aaron around the Port as he plans to continue to serve as the Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center's Executive Director. We thank Aaron for his years of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. |
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This month, the Port was proud to host two visiting groups which included homeschool students and residents from Singer Island. Guests learned about the Port’s history, the wide range of cargo that moves through our facilities, and the many career opportunities within the maritime and logistics industries. We’re always excited to open our gates and share how the Port plays a vital role in our community and economy. |
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