New Resident Information

By Air and Sea

Port Manatee ranks fifth in size among Florida's 14 deep-water seaports and first among those located on the west coast in terms of container movements. Situated just north of Palmetto, it is also the region's closest port to the Gulf of Mexico, international waters and the Panama Canal. Spanning more than one thousand acres of waterfront, the port is conveniently positioned for easy access to three interstate highways and usage by more than 4 million state residents. Port Manatee contributed more than $2.3 billion in total economic impact to Manatee County in 2003.

Del Monte's second largest U.S. port facility, Port Manatee also serves as a point of distribution to Central America for more than 24,000 used cars and trucks. The port boasts the number one national ranking for importing of frozen concentrated orange juice and is also the country's top ranked exporter of citrus juices and beverages. Foreign Trade Zone 169 is operated out of Port Manatee, enabling international shippers and manufacturers to benefit from lucrative cash flow advantages.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport dates back to early 1939, when it was originally designed to serve the travel needs of both Manatee and Sarasota Counties. More than 60 years later, in excess of 1.5 million travelers pass through its terminals each year for both business and leisure travel. Four major air carriers and three commuter airlines provide scheduled commercial service to numerous metropolitan areas in the north, midwest, west, and internationally. International charter carriers also provide air travel from Canada, while domestic charter carriers offer travel to and from Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Using the airport code SRQ, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport holds Port of Entry status and hence provides full U.S. Customs inspections for its international travelers. The airport enjoys a convenient location at the intersection of U.S. 41 and University Parkway and Routes 301 and 41. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is just minutes from the region's bustling business districts and balmy Gulf Coast Beaches.

The airport's user-friendly terminal, complete with well-maintained facilities, offers travelers a safe, convenient and comfortable travel experience - making it one of the Gulf Coast's most popular hubs for business people and vacationers alike.