WHERE: Virtual Only Event (login will be provided to all registrants)
WHEN: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WHO: Port Tampa Bay & local agencies, area leaders
WHY:  Preparing for the upcoming hurricane season - which begins June 1, 2021

Port Tampa Bay is deeply committed to emergency preparation, including for natural disasters like hurricanes. It is critically important that our port remain vigilant and proactive against Florida’s upcoming hurricane season.

Port Tampa Bay will be hosting its 9th annual Hurricane Preparedness Exercise on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. This is one of many choreographed exercises to prepare Tampa Bay area agencies for possible hurricane and/or tropical storm scenarios. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, Port Tampa Bay’s goal is to continue to operate at its highest level. This is especially important, as our port serves as an energy gateway for Florida, providing the state nearly half of its fuel.

"Our port prides ourselves on emergency preparedness. Following a storm, our community depends on Port Tampa Bay to remain operational to move fuel and cargo to our neighbors. This annual exercise ensures we are working effectively with our partners and local emergency response agencies," explained Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President & CEO.

Each year, the Hurricane Preparedness Exercise is held with the National Weather Service to refine and improve our response to a storm. The port invites several external partners including the United States Coast Guard; Customs, Border and Protection; Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office; CSX Railroad; various tug companies; and port tenants, among others. The meeting is open to the public and designed to help several emergency response agencies talk through a response to a severe storm.

This year, there will be a presentation by the National Weather Service who will educate attendees on services and products that are available during the approach of a storm, what they are and how they can be used. The National Weather Service will also lead the discussion on other weather events, such as the strong fronts (which have the potential to cause damage locally and disrupt shipping), as well as fog events and low water warnings.

As we approach hurricane season, Port Tampa Bay will continues to minimize risks and increase emergency preparedness to keep our communities running and our citizens safe.

Port Tampa Bay is honored to serve the state, our community, and most importantly, you – our neighbors. As a community, we are stronger together.