Good Afternoon,

 

Due to the possibility of gale force winds (34-47 knots) entering the Tampa Bay area within 72 hours, the Captain of the Port (COTP) is ordering Port Condition WHISKEY for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee, and Ft. Myers effective on November 4, 2024 at 1200 (12:00 p.m.). Tropical Depression 18 is forecasted to become a hurricane and enter the Gulf of Mexico later this week. The COTP will continue to evaluate weather predictions.

 

 

Current Actions: Waterfront facilities should be removing potential flying debris, hazardous materials and oil pollution hazards from dockside areas. Container stacking plans should be implemented. Container terminal operators shall reduce general cargo container stack heights to no more than two high for containers containing hazardous materials and no more than four high for all other containers or propose alternate securing arrangements to the COTP.

 

SeaPort Manatee remains open to both waterside and shoreside traffic.  We will continue to monitor the situation as conditions progress.  We anticipate a meeting with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group (PHWAG) and advise you further as appropriate.