Pandemic costs Florida ports billions in economic activity.

The coronavirus pandemic is leaving Florida's maritime industry under water.

An analysis by a maritime research company indicates Florida seaports can expect decreased cargo and nearly five-million fewer cruise passengers through 2020. That means the pandemic is costing Florida nearly 169-thousand jobs and almost 23-billion dollars in economic activity.

Based on those numbers, the Florida Ports Council has sent a letter to members of Congress urging COVID-19 relief for the maritime industry. In the letter Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler said no funding has been provided to date in COVID-19 relief packages to assist his industry.

"Whether moving over a hundred million tons of cargo annually or millions of cruise passengers," Wheeler said, "Florida's seaports generate and support a vast array of commerce and are the international gateways for goods shipped in and out of the state."

Funding is needed for emergency response, cleaning, staffing, workforce retention, paid leave, procurement of protective health equipment, debt service payments, and lost revenue.


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