By Sea

Port Manatee is the fourth largest of Florida's 14 deepwater seaports, handling more than 9.4 million tons of cargo in FY 2005. Situated north of Palmetto, it is the closest US deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal and the region's most convenient gateway to Latin American markets. Port Manatee's 1,100-acre facility provides easy access to three interstate highways, three international airports and more than 4 million Tampa Bay area residents. The port contributed more than $2.3 billion in total economic impact to Manatee County in 2003 while supporting more than 22,000 jobs.

Port Manatee's intermodal advantages have allowed it to become the Southeast's largest destination for imported forestry products while maintaining its status as Fresh Del Monte Produce's second-largest US terminal operation. The port supplies a wide range of construction-related products including steel, cement, aggregate, asphalt, aluminum and drywall.

Port Manatee is designated Foreign Trade Zone #169, enabling international shippers and manufacturers to benefit from lucrative tariff advantages.