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Port Canaveral reports strong first‑quarter finances; commissioners adopt hazard mitigation plan and approve routine items
Summary
The Port reported a strong Q1 with $61.3M operating revenue and $23.7M operating income; commissioners approved several routine items including adoption of the 2025 Brevard County Hazard Mitigation Plan and accepted the CEO evaluation, triggering a contractual salary increase.
Port Canaveral’s leadership presented operational and financial updates and the commission approved routine consent items on Jan. 28.
Finance summary: Jeff Long (finance) reported operating revenue of $61.3 million for the first quarter (October–December), about $4 million above budget and a 19.5% increase year‑over‑year. Operating expenses for the quarter were $37.6 million (favorable to budget), producing operating income of $23.7 million and an operating margin of 38.6%. Long said about 84% of operating revenue is driven by cruise activity and highlighted cargo and other revenue streams that outperformed budget.
Operations and highlights: CEO Captain John Murray reported 284 cruise ship calls and 2.3 million multi‑day passengers in the quarter and noted ongoing space‑related recoveries and collaboration with federal and state partners. Captain Murray presented public safety and engagement activity and referenced port readiness for Artemis launches.
Consent and actions taken:
- Commissioners approved the commission meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026.
- A motion to approve the financial memo for November–December 2025 (including disposals, legal bills, commissioner minor expenses, statistical and aging reports and list of bills) passed by voice vote.
- The board adopted the 2025 Brevard County Hazard Mitigation Plan (local mitigation strategy) on a motion and vote after a staff presentation by Corey Dibble, director of safety and security. Dibble said federal law and FEMA regulations require jurisdictions to readopt the plan every five years to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding and that adopting the plan preserves port eligibility for future mitigation grants and projects.
- Commissioners accepted the annual CEO evaluation; the satisfactory rating triggers a contractual base salary increase for Captain Murray.
Capital projects: Bill Crowell summarized several consent agenda items, including a proposed canopy project for Cruise Terminal 3 (ROM/GMP discussion) and fiber relocations to support an FDOT driveway to North Cargo Berth A; design work for Cruise Terminal 4 is in kickoff.
What happens next: The port will continue routine reporting and pursue FEMA mitigation funding opportunities enabled by the plan adoption. Staff will return to the commission with project‑level updates as GMPs and contracts are finalized.
