In the wake of Hurricane Milton, ten ports, including two major commercial ports in Florida, remain closed. The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, Florida, has caused significant disruptions. Port Tampa Bay and Seaport Manatee are among the affected ports, with the U.S. Coast Guard setting port condition “Zulu,” halting commercial vessel operations.

• Port Tampa Bay: A crucial hub for fuel supply in Florida, currently without power and undergoing damage assessments. Despite some damage to buildings, the docks remain largely intact.
• Seaport Manatee: A key gateway for fresh produce imports, also closed, with officials yet to comment on the situation.
• Other Affected Ports: Colonel’s Island in Georgia (expected to resume operations soon), and several others in Florida such as Canaveral, Fernandina, Jacksonville, Key West, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg.
• Casualties: The hurricane has been linked to six fatalities in Florida.

Reference: freightwaves.com