Tuesday, November 10, 2026.  As we approach the end of another successful year, we take great pride in reflecting on all we have accomplished together. It has been a remarkable and productive year for our Association, highlighted by our Annual Economic Engine Performance Report in June, our Annual Golf Tournament in October, and our monthly Business Luncheons. We are especially proud that every event sold out, a testament to the enthusiasm and engagement of our outstanding membership.  We are truly grateful for the continued support of our Members. One of our core goals is to create meaningful opportunities for professionals to connect, build relationships, and strengthen their networks. It is rewarding to see these connections flourish throughout the year.

As we begin planning an exciting 2027 season, this is a friendly reminder that annual membership dues are now being accepted. Your timely payment is greatly appreciated and helps us continue delivering the high-quality programs, events, and networking opportunities our Members value.

Tomorrow, we pause to honor and remember our nation's Veterans. Their courage, sacrifice, and service have safeguarded the freedoms we enjoy every day. In recognition of Veterans Day, our offices will be closed as we pay tribute to all who have served our country. We extend our sincere gratitude to our Veterans and their families.

"As we look ahead to 2027, we remain committed to delivering outstanding programs, meaningful connections, and new opportunities for our Members. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we look forward to another exceptional year." Lori Baer, Executive Director, Port Everglades Association.

Friday, December 4, 2026, Our Port Everglades Association Business Luncheon, Fort Lauderdale, 11.30am – 1.30pm.  Our famous Holiday Luncheon is for Members only, please confirm your reservation ASAP.  We are honored to have Capt. Frank J. Florio,United States Coast Guard Captain of Port Everglades as our special speaker.

It’s Holiday Giving Toy Time!  We have a long and heartfelt history of giving generously at holiday time. Annually, we ask everyone to bring an unwrapped toy or gift for a child aged 3-9. Our members Hatch and Dickey Consulting head this effort up for us. Hundreds of toys are distributed right after the luncheon by the Hatch/Dickey team to four very deserving institutions: Red School House, New Generation, Delmar Arts Academy, North Broward School. Last year, 260 kids received beautiful holiday gifts! We are excited that the Red School House singers will be back to share holiday cheer with song and accompaniment. We accept toys at our PEA offices if you will not be able to attend the luncheon. 954.463.2801.  [email protected]
 

Letters of Support Requested for Port Everglades.  Help support a cleaner, more sustainable future for Port Everglades.

Port Everglades is pursuing a $4 million EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant to install shore power infrastructure at Cruise Terminal 26. This important project would allow docked cruise ships to shut down their diesel engines and connect directly to the local electrical grid while in port, reducing emissions, improving air quality, and advancing environmental sustainability for our community and maritime industry.  To assist with the grant application, Port Everglades is requesting letters of support from industry partners, stakeholders, and community supporters.  Two letter templates are available at Port Everglades Grant Resources: A template tailored specifically for cruise line partners.  A general template for Port Everglades supporters.  We encourage you to personalize the letter with your organization's perspective, company information, and any comments regarding the value of this initiative. Once completed, please sign the letter, save it as a PDF, and submit it by email to [email protected].  Submission Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026.  Your support can help advance a project that will enhance operational efficiency, improve environmental performance, and strengthen Port Everglades' leadership in sustainable maritime operations.  Thank you for helping make this important initiative a success.

We are pleased to announce Tropic Air Charters / Tropic Air Rescue are new members of our Port Everglades Association.  The company handles passenger and cargo air services, as well as helicopter emergency rescue & evacuation to the Bahamas.  Anthony Marinello and Edward Borecki will represent the company at our monthly Business Luncheons. www.tropicaircharters.com.  www.tropicairrescue.com Welcome aboard!

Last week we addressed cruise lines in Port Everglades, this week we review cargo vessels. For much of September, one number dominated discussions in shipping circles originated with Alphaliner, 27,500 TEU.  Orders for vessels larger than today’s 24,000 TEU Megamax class could be placed in the “foreseeable future”. Port Everglades officials recently stated that 8,000 TEUs is currently the practical maximum cargo load for vessels calling the port because of channel depth restrictions. The largest container ship ever to call at the port was the MSC Vandya, with a capacity of 13,050 TEUs. The ship arrived lightly loaded because of draft limitations, of 42’ deep, the port is pursuing deepening the channel  to 48’ plus 2’ of over depth (50’ total) strategically important for South Florida's long-term cargo growth and competitiveness. www.porteverglades.net

JetBlue has started daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio. This gives Midwest markets a new one-stop path to the Caribbean and Latin America network.  Indianapolis is a brand-new city for JetBlue, while Columbus is a return after an earlier exit. The routes are part of a buildout at Fort Lauderdale that JetBlue says will produce its biggest-ever schedule there this winter: more than 150 daily departures to 61 nonstop destinations. www.jetblue.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, CBP / Port Everglades Perishable Cargo Meeting.  Hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Port Everglades.  1.30pm – 2.30pm.  Port Everglades Administration Building.  Third Floor, Conference Room (Room 301) Auditorium.  Register Robert Barcelo   954.468.0177. Mobile.954.253.4407

Wednesday, 18 – Thursday, 19 November, 2026.  Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE.) Meet buyers and sellers from over 70 countries at South Florida's premier international trade event. Join us for FITCE 2026!  The 11th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo, a Service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners showcases, the benefits of and opportunities for international trade while highlighting diverse arts and cultures from around the world. Get ready for an exciting two-day conference experience filled with business insights, networking opportunities, and cultural exchanges.www.broward.org/EconDev

Tuesday, 1 - Friday 4, December, 2026. AAPA LATAM 2026 Congress, the premier annual gathering for Latin American maritime, port, and logistics industry leaders. The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala City, Guatemala. Co-Organizer: Hosted in collaboration with the National Port Commission of Guatemala (CPN) www.aapalatam.org

Port Everglades Association 2026 Calendar