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History

Port Everglades is a seaport located in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula, adjacent to the city of Fort Lauderdale. Here's a brief overview of Port Everglades' history:

• Early History: The area now occupied by Port Everglades was originally inhabited by the Tequesta Native American tribe. European exploration and settlement began in the 18th century, with the establishment of trading posts and forts along the coast.
• Early 20th Century: In the early 1900s, local businessmen recognized the potential of the natural deep-water harbor at Port Everglades for maritime trade. The Florida State Legislature created the Port Everglades District in 1927, and development efforts began.
• World War II: During World War II, Port Everglades played a vital role in the military logistics of the United States. The U.S. Navy established a naval air station and a naval supply depot in the area. The port served as a base for military vessels and was instrumental in the transportation of troops and supplies.
• Post-War Expansion: After the war, Port Everglades experienced significant expansion and modernization. The channel was deepened and widened to accommodate larger vessels, and various facilities were constructed to handle growing cargo and passenger traffic.
• Diversification and Growth: In the following decades, Port Everglades diversified its operations and became a major hub for international trade, cruise ships, and petroleum products. The port's proximity to the Panama Canal made it an ideal gateway for trade with Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Cruise Industry: Port Everglades emerged as one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Major cruise lines established homeports at the port, offering a wide range of itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, and other destinations. The port's cruise terminals underwent expansions and improvements to accommodate the growing demand.
• Environmental Initiatives: Port Everglades has been proactive in implementing environmentally sustainable practices. It has introduced measures to reduce air emissions, conserve energy, and protect natural resources. The port has invested in shore power technology, enabling cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid while docked, reducing air pollution.
• Ongoing Developments: Port Everglades continues to undergo expansion projects and infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives aim to enhance the port's efficiency, increase its capacity, and further support its role in global trade and the cruise industry.

Today, Port Everglades remains a vital economic engine for Broward County and the state of Florida. It contributes significantly to job creation, tourism, and the overall economic prosperity of the region.

Historical Facts

• Early Settlement: The area where Port Everglades is located was originally settled by pioneer families in the late 19th century. The first recorded settler in the area was Frank Stranahan, who established a trading post near the New River in the late 1890s.
• Establishment of a Deep-Water Harbor: In the early 20th century, local visionaries recognized the need for a deep-water harbor on Florida's east coast. In 1927, the Florida State Legislature created the Port Everglades District and authorized the construction of a port facility.
• Inauguration: Port Everglades was officially dedicated and opened to shipping traffic on February 22, 1928. The inaugural ceremony featured the arrival of the first ship, the S.S. Phoebus, which brought a cargo of asphalt from Venezuela.
• Role during World War II: During World War II, Port Everglades played a crucial role in supporting the war effort. The port served as a base for military vessels, and its strategic location made it an important transit point for troops and supplies heading to the European and Pacific theaters.
• Navy Presence: The U.S. Navy established a naval air station and a naval supply depot at Port Everglades during World War II. These facilities supported anti-submarine warfare operations and provided logistics support to naval forces in the region.
• Expansion Projects: Over the years, Port Everglades underwent several expansion projects to accommodate larger ships and increase cargo handling capacity. The channel has been deepened multiple times, with the most recent deepening completed in 2010, allowing the port to handle post-Panamax vessels.
• Cruise Industry Growth: The development of the cruise industry had a significant impact on Port Everglades. In the 1960s, the first modern cruise terminal was built, and since then, the port has become one of the world's busiest cruise ports, with numerous cruise lines operating from its terminals.
• Economic Impact: Port Everglades has been a vital economic driver for the region. It generates billions of dollars in economic activity and supports thousands of jobs in various sectors, including maritime trade, cruise tourism, and related industries.
• Environmental Stewardship: The port has undertaken several environmental initiatives to protect the surrounding ecosystem. It implemented programs to reduce air emissions, implemented sustainable practices, and established the Broward County Greenway System to preserve and enhance natural areas.
• Recognition and Awards: Port Everglades has received numerous accolades and awards over the years. It has been recognized as a leading port for its operations, environmental initiatives, and cruise industry contributions.

These historical facts showcase the transformation of Port Everglades from a small trading post to a bustling port with global significance.

Impact and recognition

Port Everglades has had a significant impact on the local, regional, and national levels, contributing to various sectors of the economy and earning recognition for its achievements. Here are some of its notable impacts and recognitions:

• Job Creation: Port Everglades supports over 13,000 direct jobs and more than 200,000 indirect jobs, making it a vital source of employment in the region.
• Trade and Commerce: The port's diverse cargo operations handle a wide range of goods, including petroleum products, containerized cargo, vehicles, perishables, and more, facilitating international trade and commerce.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Port Everglades serves as a major gateway for the cruise industry, attracting millions of tourists each year and contributing significantly to the local hospitality sector and the overall tourism industry.

• Environmental Initiatives: Port Everglades has implemented several programs and technologies to reduce its environmental footprint. These include the use of shore power, which allows cruise ships to plug into the electrical grid while docked, reducing air emissions.
• Mangrove Preservation: The port has undertaken efforts to protect and preserve mangrove habitats, including the Mangrove Preserve, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
• Sustainable Practices: Port Everglades has invested in energy-efficient infrastructure, implemented recycling programs, and encouraged sustainable transportation practices to minimize its environmental impact.

• Green Marine Certification: Port Everglades has achieved Green Marine certification, a voluntary environmental program for the maritime industry that evaluates and recognizes efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
• Cruise Industry Awards: The port has been recognized with numerous awards from the cruise industry, including accolades for its cruise terminals, customer service, and cruise line partnerships.
• Economic Contributions: Port Everglades' economic impact and contributions to job creation and regional development have been acknowledged by local and national organizations.

Overall, Port Everglades' impact extends beyond its role as a transportation hub, making significant contributions to the local economy, the environment, and the tourism industry. Its efforts to promote sustainability and its recognition for excellence in various areas underscore its commitment to responsible and innovative port operations.

Timeline

• Late 19th Century: Pioneer families settle in the area, including Frank Stranahan, who establishes a trading post near the New River.
• 1927: The Florida State Legislature creates the Port Everglades District and authorizes the development of a deep-water port facility.
• February 22, 1928: Port Everglades is officially dedicated and opens to shipping traffic. The first ship to arrive is the S.S. Phoebus, carrying a cargo of asphalt from Venezuela.
• 1940s: During World War II, Port Everglades plays a crucial role in supporting military operations, serving as a base for naval vessels and a transit point for troops and supplies.
• 1950s: The first modern cruise terminal is built at Port Everglades, marking the beginning of the port's growth as a major cruise hub.
• 1960s: Expansion projects begin at Port Everglades, including the deepening and widening of the channel to accommodate larger vessels.
• 1970s: The petroleum industry becomes a significant part of Port Everglades' operations, with the construction of petroleum terminals and pipelines.
• 1980s: The port continues to expand its cargo operations, handling a wide range of goods and becoming a vital trade gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America.
• 1990s: The cruise industry experiences substantial growth, and Port Everglades establishes itself as one of the world's busiest cruise ports.
• 2000s: Port Everglades undergoes significant infrastructure upgrades and modernization efforts, including the expansion of cruise terminals, container terminals, and the construction of new facilities.
• 2010: The port completes a major channel deepening project, allowing it to accommodate larger post-Panamax vessels.
• 2013: Port Everglades celebrates its 85th anniversary, highlighting its long history and contributions to the region.
• 2020s: Port Everglades continues to evolve and adapt, focusing on sustainability, environmental initiatives, and enhancing its operations to meet the needs of the global trade and cruise industries.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events and milestones in the development of Port Everglades.