The government of Florida has awarded $2 million to the Manatee County Port Authority for infrastructure upgrades at SeaPort Manatee. The funding will support the reconstruction and repaving of critical roadways, including South Dock Street, and implement stormwater mitigation improvements. The upgrades will also help attract future developments, including a cold storage warehouse, a fuel terminal, and a new manufacturing facility over the next five years.
SeaPort Manatee sustained around $200 million in damage during the 2024 hurricane, with Hurricane Milton causing the most severe impacts. In October 2024, the state government committed $9.5 million in funding to kickstart the port’s recovery and reconstruction. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund promotes statewide economic development by funding infrastructure and workforce training projects.