Daily Outtakes: Port of Pensacola enters new Golden era

In the Inweekly’s early years, the Port of Pensacola was an albatross for the City of Pensacola, suffering losses and requiring money for the general fund to remain in operation. Today, the Port is an economic catalyst and has received significant grants totaling $11.4 million from the Triumph Gulf Coast, the state of Florida and the federal government.

“The Port of Pensacola is a vital link in Florida’s materials and manufacturing supply chain, driven by our strong track record in cargo handling and vessel activity,” said Port Director Clark Merritt. “This success fuels our growth as we embrace innovative marine technology projects and diversify our portfolio to boost Pensacola’s economy.”

• The total cargo tonnage for the past fiscal years was 374,834 tons (749,668,000 lbs.) – a 78% increase from five years ago and 34% above the port’s 10-year average of 279,133 tons.
• Key cargo segments included imported GE Vernova wind energy generation components, critical construction bulk materials like cement and aggregate from Cemex and Martin Marietta, pelletized agricultural materials, and over 1,200 containers (TEUs). The outbound cargo comprised heavy construction equipment, vehicles, and other miscellaneous cargo.

BACKGROUND: Retired UWF professor C.C. Elebash frequently criticized city leaders for supporting the Port – making him a sort of the Theresa Blackwell of the 1990s and early 2000s.

• Like how the PNJ has given Blackwell monthly editorial space to attack the county commission over OLF-8, the daily paper published Elebash’s viewpoints regularly. The only difference was the old New Journal editors – before Gannett’s fixation with social media clicks – would balance the Elebash criticisms with a pro-Port opinion, usually written by John Appleyard.

HIGH-TECH FUTURE:
The new wave of growth will be led by American Magic, whose headquarters and the City’s Maritime Center of Excellence will be completed next year. The complex will house over 150 sailors, technicians, and fabricators, significantly impacting the port and Pensacola’s waterfront. Additionally, the University of West Florida’s recent receipt of a Triumph grant for their WAVE program will build upon what American Magic’s presence on the port will foster and establish Pensacola as a key center for sailing and cutting-edge marine technology advancements.

• “The Port of Pensacola is proving its strength as a deepwater cargo port while embracing the future of high-tech maritime innovation,” said Mayor D.C. Reeves. “The redevelopment of the port, particularly the northeastern side, is attracting cutting-edge companies like American Magic, creating a thriving hub for advanced marine technology. Port leadership and my administration are committed to fostering this growth, ensuring Pensacola competes on a global scale.”

Pensacola will become the home for world-class sailing competitions – such as Foiling Week Pensacola 2025.

On “Real News” on Tuesday, Sailing Pensacola’s Tom Pace said, “A lot of these things are incredibly possible and without a whole lot of risk. If we can begin to do these things, which are bits and pieces in the process, the future will certainly be wide open, and with the support of the city and the community, there’s really not a misstep we can make. Some things will be more successful than others, but frankly, everybody’s excited about the possibilities and the engineering with UWF and Pensacola State College. If we can begin to create those things here, the world will come to us to look for the best renovation, and that’s the goal.”