JaxPort remains open successfully during COVID-19 pandemic

Jacksonville, FL — During his visit to Jacksonville on Tuesday, Chad F. Wolf, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, also visited JaxPort. His primary focus during his presser was on the SAFER Grant for first responders. He also talked about JaxPort and how it personifies economic prosperity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole is talking to JaxPort about what has allowed them to remain successful during the pandemic and their future as a cruise ship terminal.

JaxPort has been able to safely remain open during the pandemic.

JaxPort is one of the nation’s 17 Strategic Seaports. Here’s what that means: They are always ready to move military cargo for situations like national defense, for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. (PPE also come through Jaxport.)

The cruise industry in Jacksonville generates nearly 800 jobs in Northeast Florida, a 74 percent increase over the last decade according to a study funded by the Duval County Tourist Development Council.

Cruise activity through Jacksonville creates $187 million in economic impact for Northeast Florida. This includes business revenue, wages, passenger and crew spending, and state and local taxes.

Jacksonville’s cruise industry generates more than 20,000 local hotel night stays annually.

Passengers hail from 40 states, the District of Columbia and overseas.