Port Manatee

Port Manatee, also known as SeaPort Manatee, is a major deepwater seaport located at the entrance to Tampa Bay in northern Manatee County, Florida. Recognized as one of Florida's largest and fastest-growing ports, it serves as the closest U.S. deepwater port to the expanded Panama Canal, positioning it as a strategic hub for international trade throughout the Gulf Coast. Established in 1970 and operated by the Manatee County Port Authority, Port Manatee facilitates the movement of a diverse range of cargo, including bulk, breakbulk, heavy-lift project cargoes, and containers. Its 1,100-acre site features 10 deepwater berths with 40-foot draft depths, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of vessels and cargo types. The port plays a significant role in the local and regional economy, generating over $7.3 billion in annual economic impact and supporting more than 42,000 jobs directly and indirectly. In addition to robust logistical capabilities, Port Manatee is notable for operating without local property tax support while emphasizing environmentally responsible operations given its proximity to crucial marine habitats.