- A Port Tampa Bay crew, all certified divers with backgrounds in engineering, surveying, damage assessment, and FEMA contracts, traveled to the Port of Panama City on Monday, October 29^th to offer aid and assistance. Hurricane Michael caused immense devastation to the Port of Panama City including massive building damage. Due to persistent communications issues (cell phone and internet outages), recovery and repair efforts have been hampered there. After repeated attempts, Port Tampa Bay President/CEO Paul Anderson, just connected with Port of Panama City Executive Director Wayne Stubbs last week to offer our resources.

“We will always do all we can to offer our support to a sister port in need,” said Paul Anderson, CEO/President Port Tampa Bay.

At this time, the Port of Panama City is asking for our assistance with underwater damage assessment, debris removal and FEMA paperwork. The three-man Port Tampa Bay team is Chief Surveyor George Stanmore, Contracts Manager and licensed drone operator Dan Abbitt, and engineer Doug Barry. All three are certified divers, and will be able to assist in assessing damage for insurance/FEMA estimates, debris removal, and FEMA paperwork. Our Port Tampa Bay crew traveled in two trucks filled with supplies along with a boat to assist with diving and underwater assessments. The team planned to camp outside near the Panama City port if necessary as there is a shortage of hotel rooms available in the area. There is no timetable for our team's return.