Port tamPa Bay: tHe HuB of regionaL groWtH
Bar leadership Institute
BLI CLASS AT PORT TAMPA
Continued from page 20
Central Florida is home to one
of the largest concentrations
of distribution centers in the
Southeast. According to Port
Tampa Bay, Central Florida is
expected to outpace the growth
of South Florida two to one in
the following years. To support
this growth, recent transportation
improvements now provide Port
Tampa Bay with direct interstate
access through the I-4 Connector
from the Selmon Expressway to
I-4. The I-4 Connector increases
Port Tampa Bay’s efficiency and,
according to Port Tampa Bay, cargo
can be at a distribution center’s
docking station within 90 minutes
of leaving the port.
Port Tampa Bay’s significance to
the region’s economy is evidenced
by the numbers. Port Tampa Bay
MAR - APR 2020
|
HCBA LAWYER
handles over 37 million tons of
cargo per year and is Florida’s
largest port in physical size at 5,000
acres. The diverse range of cargo
includes liquid and dry bulk, break-
bulk, containers, and automobiles.
Not only is Port Tampa Bay one of
the world leading ports for fertilizer
exports, but Tampa is also home
to global exporters such as Amalie
Oil. The port is also well-positioned
as the closest full-service U.S. port
to the Panama Canal for exporting
merchandise to Latin America
and the Caribbean. It also has a
bustling cruise business with nearly
one million passengers each year.
The port shows no signs of
slowing down. Port Tampa Bay
has a capital budget plan to spend
$380 million over the next five
years for new docks, terminals,
and navigational improvements.
As the Tampa Bay region and the
I-4 corridor continue to grow, so
will the port and the economic
opportunities for the region. This
year is an exciting time to be a
Tampa resident, as we are fortunate
to live in region that continues to
grow and innovate. As lawyers
and community leaders, I urge my
colleagues to explore Port Tampa
Bay, consider joining the Propeller
Club, and experience the
excitement that is just steps away
from downtown. I am excited to
continue to explore the Tampa
Bay area with
my BLI class
this year. n
Author:
Jordan L.
Behlman –
Greenberg
Traurig, P.A.
21