Florida Harbor Pilots Association

NEWS
CONTACT FHPA
Captain Stuart Lilly PO Box 38294 Tallahassee, FL 32315 (850) 224-0219 office (305) 725-2543 cell kp84@yahoo.com

December 2013
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Florida Harbor Pilots Association (FHPA) is pleased to report that Florida continues to be at the forefront of the trade and tourism industry. Our state leaders continue to work to ensure our 14 deepwater ports are prepared for the increase in international trade that the Panama Canal expansion will bring. Port improvements are underway and more are planned throughout the state, and your harbor pilots continue to play a key role in the supply chain of commerce and tourism. Every year, tens of thousands of commercial ships of all shapes and sizes enter Floridas deepwater ports. They carry millions of tons of cargo and millions of passengers, having a $66 billion wealth effect in our state. On the navigational bridge of nearly every ship is a state-licensed harbor pilot, controlling its navigation. Like every other coastal state in America and every commercial seaport in the world, Floridas harbor pilots, working as a team, are responsible for the safe navigation and efficient flow of ships every day of the year. Navigational safety is not left to the whims of ship captains, who probably have never transited a Florida port, who are under economic pressure to maximize profit and who have the ship owners interests in mind. We appreciate all that our state and local officials are doing to put Florida in the prime position for continued growing for years to come. The proven system of state -licensed harbor pilots continues to keep Floridas ports efficient and safe, and we, pilots, remain committed to that. Thank you for your time and service to the great State of Florida. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns you may have. We wish you a happy holiday season! Captain Stuart Lilly, president of FHPA

BIDEN SAYS PANAMA CANAL EXPANSION WILL BRING MORE JOBS TO U.S. PORTS

ON THE HORIZON
Remember, if you have a newsworthy item to share, please submit the complete details to: Kristen Bridges at kristen@bascomllc.com or (850) 222-2140.

THE HERALD - November 20, 2013 - Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday toured the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal a project that he says will also bring more jobs and development to U.S. ports and met with Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli. To read this article in full, please visit http://bit.ly/1fnySCb.

FDOT LISTS $38M IN IMPROVEMENTS FOR PORT MANATEE AREA

THE HERALD - December 4, 2013 - Port Manatee came out a big winner Tuesday as the Manatee County Commission approved a draft five -year work plan calling for $38 million in capital improvements for 2014-15. To read this article in full, please visit http://bit.ly/1cquuy4.

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PORTMIAMI: POST-PANAMAXED
FLORIDA TREND - December 10, 2013 - The post-Panamax era in Florida came one step closer to reality in October, when four 25 -story-tall cranes arrived at PortMiami after a nearly three-month journey from Shanghai. The gigantic super post -Panamax cranes are required to unload the huge, container -laden ships that are expected to call at the port after the Panama Canal expansion is finished in mid -2015. To read this article in full, please visit http://bit.ly/19kng1C.

Photo by the Florida Trend.

SCOTT: MIAMI PORT DREDGING MEANS JOBS

FLORIDA TODAY - December 6, 2013 - On a postcard-perfect Friday, Gov. Rick Scott joined other officials for a boat tour of a $220 million dredging operation that will enable Miamis cargo port to accommodate much bigger ships that soon will pass through a widened Panama Canal. To read this article in full, please visit http:// on.flatoday.com/1kn2O1o.

Photo by Associated Press.

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