Port Tampa Bay has announced its designation this week as StormReady by the National Weather Service (NWS). The StormReady program recognizes communities or organizations that have protocols in place to mitigate weather disasters and promote the protection of life and property. For the state’s largest seaport, this is no small task, and port staff have been working diligently to ready the port and its critical assets for potential destructive weather events.

In Florida, every county is StormReady certified, along with several communities and organizations such as USF, Busch Gardens and Disney World. Port Tampa Bay is the first port in the country to receive this certification, and, according to the NWS, the port’s application will be considered as the template for other ports, in their efforts to receive the same distinction.

“Safety and security are key priorities at Port Tampa Bay, and port management and operations staff have worked diligently to make sure the port is as prepared as possible for a hurricane or other comparable weather event. We are honored to receive recognition as StormReady, knowing that readiness is always a work in progress, and that we will be constantly seeking ways of improving our position in this regard,” commented Paul Anderson, port president and CEO.

“Port Tampa Bay is grateful to the National Weather Service and its StormReady Advisory Council for providing us with a proud distinction, and we look forward to setting the example for other ports to follow.”