Code). This Act lays the ground rules for comprehensive long range 
planning for future growth in Florida. The sections of the Act which 
most directly affect ports are the Coastal Management Element and the 
Port Element. As this Act applies specifically to ports on Tampa Bay, it 
requires completion of Comprehensive Master Plans by the end of 1988. 
These port Master Plans will in turn be incorporated as elements of each 
local government’s Comprehensive Growth Plan, and more importantly, the 
port plans must be consistent with state mandated standards and criteria 
as spelled out in the Coastal Management Element and the Port Element. 
The ultimate goal is "to promote the orderly development and use of 
ports" (Chapt. 163, F.S.). 
Some of the specific items for which each port will be responsible 
are as follows: 
1. Drainage and the impact of non-point and point source 
pollution on estuarine water quality must be covered. This 
basically will entail the development of master drainage 
and stormwater management plans. 
2. Existing natural shorelines are to be protected. 
3. Natural systems Inventories will be required, with the 
intention of developing land use guidelines which protect 
or enhance existing resources. 
4. An analysis of environmental, socioeconomic, and fiscal 
impacts of development and redevelopment will be required. 
5. Contingency plans will be required for any natural 
disasters such as hurricanes, and for man induced hazards 
such as spills and fires. 
All of these items and numerous others will then be subjected to 
extensive local, regional and State review before adoption by local 
ordinance. 
The development of the Coastal Management Element was a major 
priority of the Governor’s office and the Florida Department of Community 
Affairs. This fact is reflected in the requirements for this element, 
which are considerably more detailed and far reaching than those for any 
other elements of the Act. 
In closing, most Florida ports and certainly all three deepwater 
ports on Tampa Bay already have begun to shift emphasis away from some of 
the problematic cargoes that have been pollution problems. Admittedly, 
the reasons are more economic than philanthropic; nevertheless, the 
concept of increased diversity in cargo means healthier financial systems 
and usually fewer environmental problems. As the ports are increasingly 
being adversely affected by slumps in much of the bulk cargo industry 
(especially phosphate products), many new items related to the food 
industry are being added. In particular, orange juice, frozen beef, and 
bananas now traverse Tampa Bay waters on a regular basis. The ports are 
also handling many new products related to the construction industry such 
as raw lumber, finished wood items, pipe, and cable. One of the newer 
developments to be exploited is in the area of containerized cargo. 
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