Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Joseph Morris
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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A. MOTION TO WAIVE competitive selection requirements set forth in Section 32.4.h of the Broward County Administrative Code, pursuant to Section 32.10 of the Broward County Administrative Code, to authorize the Port Everglades Chief Executive Officer and Port Director, or designee, to negotiate a Marine Terminal Lease and Operating Agreement with Sol Shipping Services, Inc., for approximately seven acres of land located at 2000 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, finding that good cause exists for such waiver.
B. MOTION TO WAIVE competitive selection requirements set forth in Section 32.4.h of the Broward County Administrative Code, pursuant to Section 32.10 of the Broward County Administrative Code, to authorize the Port Everglades Chief Executive Officer and Port Director, or designee, to negotiate an extension of the Passenger Cruise Terminal and Berth User Agreement between Broward County and Balearia Caribbean Ltd., Corp., finding that good cause exists for such waiver.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 32.10 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”), to waive the competitive selection requirements set forth in Section 32.4.h of the Administrative Code, a finding of good cause by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) is required.
What Action Accomplishes
Waives the competitive selection requirements of Section 32.4.h of the Administrative Code to authorize the Port Everglades Chief Executive Officer and Port Director, or designee, to negotiate: (a) a Marine Terminal Lease and Operating Agreement with Sol Shipping Services, Inc., for approximately seven acres of land located at 2000 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and (b) an extension of the Passenger Cruise Terminal and Berth User Agreement with Balearia Caribbean Ltd., Corp.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) Value of “Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives,” and the Goal of “Ensuring economic opportunities and a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on Broward’s lower and middle class.”
Sol Shipping Services, Inc. (“Sol”) is a Florida corporation based in Pompano Beach, where they own and operate refrigerated warehouse facilities. Sol has been shipping perishable cargo through Port Everglades since 1993, and has held a lease with the Port since 2012 on approximately seven acres of land in the Midport area of the Port (see Exhibit 1), with the most recent lease being approved by the Board on November 15, 2022 (Item No. 7) and expiring on October 31, 2027. Sol’s business involves the importing of produce via a seasonal weekly container service. In the offseason, Sol also handles breakbulk cargoes, including cement and marble, with an established history of cargo operations at the Port.
Balearia Caribbean Ltd., Corp. (“Balearia”) has operated a fast ferry service for passengers and cargo between Port Everglades and the Bahamas since 2011. While there is currently no dedicated berth for Balearia’s fast ferry operations, they operate primarily from Berth 21 unless there is a conflict with a multi-day cruise ship assigned that berth. On November 14, 2023 (Item No. 19), the Board approved the most recent Passenger Cruise Terminal and Berth User Agreement. Subsequently, on October 22, 2024 (Item No. 14), the Board approved the First Amendment to the Passenger Cruise Terminal and Berth User Agreement, extending the term for one year through November 30, 2025, and updated rates, and on November 13, 2025 (Item No. 8), approved the Second Amendment to the Passenger Cruise Terminal and Berth User Agreement, extending the term for one additional year through November 30, 2026, and updated rates.
Section 32.4.h of the Administrative Code requires a competitive selection process for preferential assignments, user or management agreements, and marine terminal leases. However, Section 32.10 of the Administrative Code authorizes the Board to waive the requirements for good cause. In consideration of both Sol’s and Balearia’s longstanding presence and continued operations at Port Everglades, Port staff recommends approval of a waiver of the competitive selection requirements set forth in Section 32.4.h of the Administrative Code, pursuant to Section 32.10 of the Administrative Code, to authorize the Port Everglades Chief Executive Officer and Port Director, or designee, to negotiate with both parties.
These motions only waive the competitive selection requirements and authorize negotiations with both entities. Any new agreements or extension of the existing agreements resulting from the negotiations will be brought back to the Board for approval.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge A. Hernández, Director of Business Development, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501
Stacie Warren, Real Property Administrator, Business Development, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3706
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.