The Jacksonville Port Authority replaced the city's Department of Docks and Terminals and was created in 1963 by Florida's Legislature to progress, preserve, and promote the city's port facilities. The Port Authority was chartered by the state, and intended to be a government entity that would operate like a business; however, it received 1.5 mils of property tax authority that generated nearly half a million dollars during 1963. Jacksonville airports were under the control of the Port Authority since its inception, but in May 2001, the Florida State Legislature approved the restructuring of the Jacksonville Port Authority into two separate entities '; the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the Jacksonville Seaport Authority' effective October 1, 2001. In 2003, the act was amended to reinstate the name Jacksonville Port Authority instead of Seaport''.
Function
Jacksonville’s port is one of the largest commercial cargo ports on the Atlantic Coast. JAXPORT controls docks and wharfs, cranes, a passenger cruise terminal, warehouses, paved open storage areas, and road connections to the publichighway system. JPA maintains these facilities and manages their overall use. As of October 2011, only JAXPORT security officers and off-duty members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office are involved in handling calls for service on property owned by JAXPORT.
Governance
The JPA is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. The Mayor of Jacksonville appoints four Board members, and the Florida Governor appoints three members. Each member serves a four-year, unpaid term. From its membership, the Board elects its own Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer for one-year terms.
Funding
Tax dollars are not used to fund JAXPORT's operating expenses. Private companies lease space and equipment at the port, and that revenue is used to fund port operations. In 2010 JAXPORT recorded $50.6 million in operating revenues, and $32 million in operating expenses. The authority does receive state and federal grants to pay for construction and security projects. JAXPORT itself has no authority to assess taxes.
Economic impact
Due to the local maritime industry Jacksonville's maritime industry supports more than 65,000 employees. These include private sector jobs such as longshoremen, crane operators, truck drivers, warehouse workers, and others working in industries which rely on the port.
Initiatives
Expand Port Business, which would create new jobs and stimulate the economy in northeast Florida
Increase Cruise Business, which would increase income from tourism
Deepen The Harbor, which would allow "supersized" ships to dock. When the current Panama Canal expansion project is completed in 2014, jumbo ships from China will utilize it and dock at Atlantic Ocean ports. To remain competitive, Jacksonville must be able to host these ships.
utilizes the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal to offer year-round service on the Carnival Ecstasy to Key West and the Bahamas. The authority intends to relocate the terminal.
Ferry service
The St. Johns River Ferry has provided service across the 9/10 mile between Mayport and Fort George Island since the 1874. The Florida Department of Transportation had always been responsible for the ferry, but its funding was vetoed by Governor Charlie Crist for the 2007-2008 budget. The City of Jacksonville assumed the responsibility in 2007, and spent $1 million more than the income from fares. After Mayor John Peyton announced that there was no money available in the 2008 budget, JAXPORT took over operation of the ferry and lost half a million dollars each year, but used port revenue, not tax money, to underwrite the expense. The ferry service operator is Hornblower Marine Services. In 2012 JAXPORT announced that it would no longer be responsible for the ferry. In response, the city commission created the new St. Johns River Ferry Commission. JAXPORT agreed to contribute $200,000 toward operations, the city of Jacksonville kicked in $200,000 with the state DOT paying $250,000.
Private facilities
JAXPORT facilities do not handle all the cargo moving over the St. Johns River. In fact, more than 20 maritime facilities in Jacksonville's harbor are owned and operated by other entities. These facilities include private dry docks, petroleum terminals, and military bases. The JPA does not operate or manage private boat marinas, water taxis, bridges, or the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks.
