JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In this special episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition,” host Kent Justice takes listeners on a riveting journey through the bustling world of JAXPORT, the Port of Jacksonville. With Robert Peek, the chief commercial officer of JAXPORT, as his guide, we explore the port’s explosive growth and its role as an economic powerhouse in Northeast Florida.
Peek reveals that JAXPORT is riding high on its most successful fiscal year yet, with shipping containers leading the charge. Despite the chaos of the early 2020s, marked by the pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, JAXPORT has emerged stronger than ever.
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The completion of the harbor deepening project has been a game-changer, allowing the port to retain and attract international business.
The conversation delves into the port’s economic impact, with Peek highlighting 30,000 jobs in Northeast Florida that depend on JAXPORT. From longshoremen to trucking companies and warehouses, the port’s influence is vast and varied. JAXPORT’s claim to fame includes being the largest U.S. port for trade with Puerto Rico and the third busiest for handling automobiles.
Peek emphasizes the port’s diversification strategy, which includes expanding trade lanes and handling a variety of cargo types. This strategy has positioned JAXPORT to weather external challenges, such as proposed tariffs and canal disruptions, with resilience.
Listeners get a sneak peek into exciting projects underway, like the $130 million facility by Southeast Toyota Distributors and SSA’s $70 million expansion. These developments promise to transform JAXPORT’s landscape by the end of 2025.
The episode wraps up with a nod to JAXPORT’s cruise business, which is set to expand with Norwegian Cruise Lines joining Carnival in offering seasonal Caribbean cruises. Peek assures that the port’s workforce is thriving, with well-paying jobs contributing to the region’s prosperity.
For those eager to stay ahead of the curve in Jacksonville’s business scene, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how JAXPORT is not just navigating the tides of change but steering them.