The Florida Ports Council – comprised of Florida’s fourteen deepwater seaports – met in Ft. Lauderdale on June 22nd and 23rd to talk about the future of Florida’s seaports and the maritime industry. During the two-day strategic planning meetings, the Council recognized Senators Jeremy Ring (D-Margate) and Jack Latvala (R-St. Petersburg) and Representatives Lake Ray (R-Jacksonville) and Dana Young (R-Tampa) for their efforts to ensure the sustainability of Florida’s maritime industry and to promote economic development and job growth in Florida. Representative Young and Senator Latvala were recognized for their efforts to reduce unnecessary state security regulatory burdens on Florida’s seaports and maritime industry workers. Due to comprehensive Federal security regulations enacted over the past few years, these state laws were deemed inefficient, duplicative and unnecessary. Addressing Council members, Representative Young expressed “I am humbled to be the recipient of the 2011 Tugboat Award and it was truly my honor to work with the Ports Council and the statewide business and maritime communities to pass this important Seaport Security bill." Council President Doug Wheeler reiterated that “this legislation will allow Florida's Ports to be more competitive, while also maintaining a secure environment where Florida businesses can create jobs.”
Representative Ray and Senator Ring were recognized for their continuing efforts to increase state investment in priority seaport projects, and to create a planning environment that entices the private sector to locate or expand their maritime operations in Florida. Senator Ring informed Council members that the Florida Senate had stressed the need to invest approximately $100 million a year for the next five years in Florida’s seaports, adding “Florida’s ports are vital since they will serve as the economic engine for the 21st century economy Florida needs to compete nationally and internationally.”
Representative Ray touted that the Florida Legislature and Governor Scott had approved the investment of over $117 million this fiscal year in Florida’s seaports and stressed the importance of global trade and logistics to Florida’s economy. "I am honored to receive the Tugboat Award from our system of Ports in Florida as we join our efforts together to meet the needs of evolving shipping markets. The fulfillment of our vision will take Florida to a new and exciting future in international commerce."
Governor Scott was presented a Tugboat Award in May following the Security bill signing ceremony at the Port of Tampa for his efforts on behalf of the Ports and the maritime industry. “Governor Scott has been a tremendous advocate for the Ports since he took office and we appreciate all he is doing to put Florida in the best position to capitalize on opportunities for job creation and growth associated with the ever-growing global marketplace” said Wheeler.
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