State lawmakers will consider a bill that could change who gets to decide what vessels and cargo are allowed into ports across Florida including the Port of Pensacola. 15 ports in Florida are currently regulated by local entities such as a city council and all oppose a bill that would take that power away, and transfer it to the state. In November, voters in Key West decided to limit which cruise ships were allowed in their port, after several coronavirus outbreaks occurred on cruise ships. Tampa Senator Jim Boyd’s bill wants to give the regulation power – for all 15 Florida ports – to the state. Port of Pensacola’s Port Director Amy Miller calls that an overreach. The bill is scheduled to be brought up today in Tallahassee.
