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Port entry rule changes let in confusion

Security requires tighter control at the Tampa port's gate, but companies say they weren't consulted.

By STEVE HUETTEL
Published August 16, 2006

The agency that oversees Tampa's port has been at the center of a controversy over which people are safe to allow through its gates.

Last month, the Tampa Port Authority tightened the rules after Florida Department of Law Enforcement inspectors determined the port wasn't complying with state law.

But a private company sued the agency last week for refusing to let an employee through the Hooker's Point gate to return to work.

On Tuesday, maritime groups complained to port commissioners that the agency's staff didn't properly consult businesses worried the new rules would cost them money and slow down commerce.

One commissioner, Joe Hartley, agreed. "Information coming from our staff was viewed by the business community as confusing," said Hartley, chief executive of Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Repair Co. "We've got to do a better job communicating."

Port director Richard Wainio said he's always available to talk with tenants and port users. But the agency has to comply with the state law that sets strict security standards for Florida ports.

"We've been bending over backward to have the least impact on customers," said Wainio. "But we can't do away with it. It's the law."

Legislation passed in 2000, designed to stop drug trafficking, required ports to secure restricted areas like docks and cargo storage areas, with fences, gates, lights and closed-circuit TV cameras.

It also limited access to workers who needed to get inside, such as cargo handlers, ship crews and truck drivers. Ports issued photo ID badges, for a $70 charge, but only to those who passed a state and federal criminal records check.

Tampa's sprawling port was particularly tough to secure and posed special problems. Areas like Hooker's Point are a mix of privately owned and public land, with restricted docks and public areas away from the water.

In June, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement inspected the port for compliance with the law, which was amended in the last legislative session.

A report filed last month told port officials they could no longer issue special badges that didn't require background checks.

Nearly 700 people held the badges, mostly Tampa city workers at the Hooker's Point wastewater plant and employees of a company building pieces of the elevated lanes of the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway.

The badges also were issued to workers with Central Oil Co., which was located inside the security gate. Employee Kortnie Holmes applied for a standard ID badge last month, according to the lawsuit filed by her and Central Oil on Aug. 9.

The port authority turned her down, the lawsuit states, but said she could apply for a waiver - after the agency came up with standards for granting exceptions.

Meanwhile, port business leaders simmered over how the agency gave out information about the changes. Companies that weren't tenants - like Central Oil - did not get invitations.

Later, two port authority officials were scheduled to appear before the Propeller Club of Tampa but didn't show up. Business leaders at a subsequent meeting with Wainio said they came away unsatisfied.

"What we felt were gains in the ability of tenants and users to communicate with port authority staff in a meaningful way on critical issues ... seem to have declined," said Tad Humphreys, who represented the Port of Tampa Maritime Industries Association.

Port commissioners instructed staff to have more discussions with business representatives on the new rules.

Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3384.

[Last modified August 15, 2006, 23:14:24]