Study: JAXPORT supports 26,000 jobs in Jacksonville

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“When the port is at peak time, I’m at peak time. There’s no doubt there’s a symbiotic relationship here,” Jeff Farah said.

Farah opened Portside Grille on Talleyrand in November 2017. He said he chose the spot because of JAXPORT’s growth.

A maritime research firm revealed new data indicating the port supports 26,282 jobs in the Jacksonville area, a nearly 8 percent growth from a 2013 study.

That includes 10,876 people who work at the port, making an average of $70,570.

The study says Asian container trade has been a primary driver of growth, up 89 percent from 2013.

JAXPORT says it’s only going to get better when harbor deepening is complete in 2023, allowing JAXPORT to accommodate bigger ships.

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“It’s going to increase more containers and with more containers come more economic opportunities that spread throughout the community,” Vincent Cameron said.

Cameron is president of International Longshoremen's Association Local 1408. He said the port growth has attracted families to Jacksonville.

“That’s all what we want at the end of the day, a quality job and be able to afford the basic necessities and then some for their families,” Cameron said.

The maritime firm said the port’s total economic value is $31.1 billion, an increase of 15 percent since 2013.

“That means I made a good decision and I’ll continue to invest in my business as well,” Farah said.

Now-hiring signs are posted on his door and in a sign in the parking lot. He said along with the port, his business is growing.