SeaPort Manatee Adds Solar-Powered Security Booths with State Grant
SeaPort Manatee has added three new solar-powered mobile security booths to strengthen access control and safety operations across the port.
The additions come through a $3.5 million state grant awarded by Gov. Ron DeSantis in October 2024 to support security infrastructure improvements. The previous security booths were destroyed during Hurricane Milton last year.
Each new booth is air-conditioned, equipped with a backup generator, and designed to operate in all weather conditions. The booths have been strategically positioned around the port to monitor ship operations and provide efficient access management for truck drivers and cargo areas.
The investment is part of a broader effort to modernize security measures at the port, which plays a critical role in Florida’s economy. SeaPort Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal, featuring 10 deep-draft berths. It generates nearly $7.3 billion annually in economic impact, supports more than 42,000 direct and indirect jobs, and remains financially self-sustaining without local property tax support.
In fiscal year 2024, the port set a record by moving 11.8 million tons of cargo, an increase of more than 7% from the previous year. The new security booths are expected to further enhance efficiency and safety as the port continues to expand operations.
