Port Tampa Bay Reopens After Hurricane Milton

Port Tampa Bay has officially reopened its shipping channels and resumed vessel operations, though movements are currently limited to daylight hours, according to a Saturday announcement.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Port Tampa Bay worked closely with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community, to manage the storm's effects.

The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, reopened the port after completing thorough assessments of the port facilities, waterways, and channels. The port is now operating under normal conditions, but with restrictions limiting vessel travel to daylight hours and one-way traffic. Port staff have fully inspected docks, terminals, and wharfs to ensure safety.

Among the first vessels returning to the port will be fuel tankers, cruise ships, and those carrying perishable goods.

Several cruise schedules have been adjusted, impacting Carnival Paradise, Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Margaritaville at Sea Islander.