Florida ports resume operations in Hurricane Helene aftermath

Florida’s ports are gradually returning to normal operations after conducting thorough impact assessments in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The US Coast Guard has lifted port condition Zulu, allowing JAXPORT to resume full operations without restrictions. The Coast Guard completed a post-storm assessment of the Port of Jacksonville’s waterways, declaring the port fully operational.

Port Tampa Bay has also reopened, resuming vessel operations with a temporary 28-foot depth restriction in its shipping channels. Following detailed evaluations, the US Coast Guard, in coordination with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, officially reopened the port with safety restrictions in place.

“Our hope is that the port’s shipping channels will be functional at their full depths shortly. Port staff fully assessed the docks, wharfs, and terminals for safety. Commercial vessel traffic is again being queued for a return to full operations at the port, meaning we are open for business. Some of the first vessels to return will be fuel tankers, cruise ships and vessels carrying perishable cargo,” Port Tampa Bay said on September 28.

During the storm, the port’s landside operations remained open.