Port Canaveral, FL – June 29, 2018 – Canaveral Port Authority employees gathered on the front lawn of the Port’s Maritime Center to raise a commemorative flag in what will be the first of a series of events acknowledging sixty-five years of Port Canaveral history, growth and success.
“More than a half century ago, Port Canaveral launched its operations with military and commercial purposes, but today we are one of the world’s most diverse ports and an important economic asset for the entire Central Florida region,” stated Captain John Murray, Port CEO. “I’m proud to join with our employees to acknowledge our past and thank them for their continuous hard work and commitment to making Port Canaveral the world class gateway it is today.”
Port Canaveral will celebrate sixty-five years of operation on November 4, 2018. To commemorate the years of continued success for the Port, the Canaveral Port Authority plans a series of activities celebrating the Port’s rich history and its role in economic growth and development of the Central Florida region. Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners, Ambassadors and staff took part in a ceremonial flag raising of a new Port Canaveral anniversary flag, similar to an event held at the Port 65 years ago.
Port Canaveral staff gather to for flag raising
(Canaveral Port Authority)
On November 4, 1953, a large gathering of local community, elected officials and members of the military assembled at the west marginal wharf next to the USS McClelland to celebrate the opening of Port Canaveral, a small shrimp, oil and commercial fishing port.
Today, Port Canaveral is one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting ports – the world’s second largest cruise Port, and Florida’s third largest by revenues with record-breaking cruise passenger movements and highly diverse cargo operations.
Port Canaveral, November 4, 1953 - Port Canaveral, 2018
(Canaveral Port Authority)
Port Canaveral, November 4, 1953
(Canaveral Port Authority)
PORT CANAVERAL 1953-1968
Historically, the first fifteen years of operation brought immediate change and growth to Port Canaveral:
- September 1954 - George King was named the first Port Manager.
- June 1955 – the first commercial cargo ship, S/S Mormac Spruce discharged bagged cement.
- August 1955 – Tropicana Corporation obtains lease to construct a refrigerated warehouse to export citrus juice.
- April 1965 – Canaveral Lock is dedicated
- 1968 – Rock shrimping begins at Port Canaveral.
ABOUT PORT CANAVERAL
Led by the elected five-member Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners and Port Director and CEO, Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral is one of the world's most dynamic and exciting ports. A world-class gateway for cruises, cargo, recreation and logistics, as well as a gateway to new frontiers, including space, Port Canaveral hosts nearly 5 million revenue cruise passengers through its state-of-the-art terminals and 6 million of tons of cargo annually, including bulk, break-bulk, project, and containerized. The Port is strategically located to service all Florida markets, as well as the Southeastern United States. In addition to world class cruise facilities and diverse cargo operations, Port Canaveral offers more recreational opportunities than all other Florida deep-water seaports combined, including public parks, free public boat ramps, marinas, an entertainment district, and the seven-story interactive exhibit and event venue Exploration Tower. For more information, visit www.portcanaveral.com.
Media Contact
Steve Linden
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