In the 1970s, Port Manatee mainly served the petroleum and phosphate industries. Petroleum tank farms and fertilizer warehouses dotted the landscape where little else existed. s the '80s ended, a depressed phosphate industry forced the cargo diversification issue at Port Manatee. By then, Del Monte had found a new home, which provided key services for the reconstruction of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Port tenants and customers increased during the 1990s. A special warehouse was built for Del Monte, which began calling on Port Manatee in 1989. The port was awarded Foreign Trade Zone 169, providing yet another tool to serve the community. The port authority purchased over 400 acres in 1997, providing the area to expand. The dredging of these new areas required extensive environmental improvement, including relocating and transplanting sea grass into nearby waters. Today the Port Authority is investing the port revenues into new facilities and infrastructure for current and prospective customers with a sound growth plan and vision. Port Manatee has invested over $119 million to advance its already superior docks and warehouses. It is also Fresh Del Monte's second largest U.S. port facility. The Port receives just about 100 ships for Del Monte each year.
Visit the Egmont Key State Park, it is an island just outside of Tampa Bay. Relax along its faultless, palm tree lined, isolated beaches, which is a year round favorite activity.
If you can take a trip to Fort De Soto Park's North Beach. This world famous beach heads the Top 10 Beaches list for 2005. Beaches are the number one recreational destination for Americans. These sandy beaches that line our coasts are the most vast natural parks in the country.
From: Tampa International
1: Start out going SOUTH. 2.4 miles
2: Take the SR-60 ramp toward I-275 / DOWNTOWN. 0.4 miles
3: Merge onto N MEMORIAL HWY / FL-60 E. 0.2 miles
4: Merge onto I-275 S toward ST PETERSBURG (Portions toll). 36.6 miles
5: Take the US-41 exit- EXIT 2- toward PALMETTO / BRADENTON. 0.3 miles
6: Merge onto US-41 N / FL-45 N toward PORT MANATEE. 3.2 miles
7: Turn LEFT onto S DOCK ST / SOUTH DOCK ST. 0.9 miles
8: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto REGAL CRUISE WAY. 0.2 miles
9: End at 400 Tampa Bay Way Palmetto, FL 34221-6614, US
Total Est. Time: 51 minutes Total Est. Distance: 44.65 miles
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