Florida Ports Reopen After Hurricane Frances
(September 7, 2004)

Florida ports were reopening and checking damage after operations were shut down by Hurricane Frances reports the Journal of Commerce.

The Port of Tampa reopened to vessel traffic 10 p.m. Monday night since being closed Saturday morning.

The port said that vessels are currently permitted to enter the port on a controlled basis during daylight hours.

The Coast Guard is coordinating vessel transits with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group and Vessel Movement Control Board due to damage sustained by navigation aids during the rough weather, which had weakened to a tropical storm by the time Tampa felt its effects.

The port said detailed evaluations of the shipping channel will continue and guidelines for ships' transits will adjust accordingly as repairs are made to the aids to navigation.

At least five fuel carriers are scheduled to arrive in Tampa today.

The Coast Guard reopened the Port of Jacksonville at approximately noon today, Jaxport officials said.

The Coast Guard had ordered a halt to all cargo operations late Friday ahead of Frances' approach.

Port Canaveral said its waters would not be re-opened to any vessels until at least Wednesday pending a full inspection of the harbor and approaches by the Coast Guard.

Canaveral Port Authority administrative offices are expected to be fully open at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

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