SeaPort Manatee has restarted fuel distribution operations, supplying Southwest and Central Florida with much-needed resources following the October 9 landfall of Hurricane Milton.

Read also: Ports Reopen Across Southeast U.S. as Hurricane Milton Recovery Progresses

“Through coordinated efforts with Manatee County, state and federal agencies, and industry partners, fuel distribution activities are back online as of this morning,” announced Kevin Van Ostenbridge, chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority, on Sunday, October 13.

With power restored at the port, limited landside cargo operations have resumed. Per U.S. Coast Guard guidance, waterside activities are restricted to daylight hours, and vessel movement is limited to one-way traffic within the shipping channel.

“SeaPort Manatee is essential in supplying fuel to stations across the region,” said Carlos Buqueras, the port’s executive director. “Given that our area has been hit by two hurricanes in quick succession, restoring this supply is particularly vital.”

As a strategic gateway where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, SeaPort Manatee plays a key role in supporting Florida’s economy. The port handles nearly 400 million gallons of fuel annually and connects to major logistics networks, including railways and the Tampa-Orlando I-4 corridor. Its 10 deep-draft berths accommodate a wide range of cargo, from liquid and dry bulk to containers and project shipments.

The port generates more than $5.1 billion in annual economic impact and supports over 37,000 jobs—without relying on local property taxes. Located close to the expanded Panama Canal, SeaPort Manatee ensures smooth global trade flows while meeting regional supply chain needs.

Fuel distribution from the port marks a critical step in post-storm recovery as communities across Florida work to rebuild after Hurricane Milton.