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Port Manatee truckers get ministry, free lunch
Port Manatee truckers get ministry, free lunch
PALMETTO, Florida - Truckers serving Port Manatee, having been recognized with a free lunch, can look for nourishment of their souls throughout the year thanks to a new ministry of the port-based Anchor House Mission.
The not-for-profit Anchor House Mission's Trucker Ministry was unveiled Friday [May 12] with opening of a rest-and-refresh area for professional drivers at Port Manatee's scale house. The ribbon-cutting was followed by Port Manatee's second annual Trucker Appreciation Day, during which more than 400 hot dogs and hamburgers were provided to nearly 300 truckers just outside the port's main gate.
"Port Manatee makes us feel very appreciated," said Manny Gutierrez, an owner-operator who drives for Jacksonville, Florida-based Landstar System Inc.
Another owner-operator for Landstar, Armando Perez, said, "We have seen trucker appreciation elsewhere, but nothing quite like this, with a lunch and a ministry."
Tim Huppert, executive director and chaplain of the Anchor House Mission, called the new ministry a true joint venture with Port Manatee, adding, "The ministry aims to support truckers who are often away from home, reaching out to them with kindness and meeting their spiritual, physical and emotional needs."
Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee's executive director, commented, "We appreciate the hard work and commitment of professional drivers and thank them for delivering our goods safely and on time."
Vanessa Baugh, chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority, said, "We are pleased to recognize the truckers who make such important contributions to the supply chain and distribution of cargo that flows through Port Manatee."
Dozens of Port Manatee executives and employees were joined in serving the picnic-style lunch by Priscilla Whisenant Trace, the Manatee County Port Authority first vice chairwoman, as well as Carol Whitmore, past chairwoman of the port board.
Trucker Appreciation Day sponsors included Logistec Gulf Coast LLC, Federal Marine Terminals Inc., Arrow Terminals Inc., World Direct Shipping, TransMontaigne Partners LP and Manatee Truck & Trailer Wash LLC.
Port Manatee, the Port of Port Manatee Propeller Club, TravelCenters of America, Pilot Travel Centers LLC and Wildwood, Florida-based 75 Chrome Shop provided drivers giveaway items including T-shirts, caps, calendars and notebooks with pens.
Located "Where Tampa Bay Meets the Gulf of Mexico," Port Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the expanded Panama Canal, with 10 40-foot-draft berths serving container, bulk, breakbulk, heavylift, project and general cargo customers. The port generates more than $2.3 billion in annual economic impact for the local community, while supporting more than 24,000 jobs, without levying ad-valorem taxes.
PHOTO:
At Port Manatee's second annual Trucker Appreciation Day, from left, drivers Manny Gutierrez and Armando Perez are served lunch by Malcolm Edwards, Port Manatee's senior manager for trade development.