Tampa Port Warehouse Reignites Fruit Fight In Manatee County
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PORT MANATEE (AP) — A move by the Tampa Port Authority to authorize funding to build a refrigerated warehouse has reignited worries it may compete for a fruit shipping business cultivated by Port Manatee.
The Bradenton Herald reports the Tampa authority authorized Port Tampa Bay to spend up to $20.8 million to build the warehouse.
But the Manatee port is a significant importer of citrus fruits, juice, pineapple and avocados. That produce is stored in up to five refrigerated warehouses on port property.
During the authority's business meeting Thursday, members were particularly critical of Tampa's move because they believe it flies in the face of a mediation process the two ports went through last year to relieve tensions over competition.
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