Reagan honored for his support of Port Manatee

PALMETTO – State Rep. Ronald Reagan was honored by the Port Manatee Propeller Club on Nov. 12.

State Rep. Ron Reagan was honored by the Port Manatee Propeller Club.

At a ceremony at the Bradenton Yacht Club, Reagan was recognized at the Maritime Person of the Year for his ongoing support of Port Manatee.

In 2009, he introduced and sponsored the Port Manatee Developments of Regional Impact Exemption Bill in the Florida Legislature, which was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist on May 29. The law extends DRI exemption privileges to within a three-mile radius of all Florida ports, sparing qualified developments the years-long process of permitting and speeding new projects forward.

It also enhances the port’s ability to attract new industries and distribution centers to the new Port Manatee Encouragement Zone, a 3,700-acre region of land locally incentivized for commercial development.

Reagan represents District 67, which includes portions of Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties. He has lived in the area for more than 30 years and has raised all three of his children in the district.

Reagan is the vice chairman of the Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development. He also serves as the vice chairman of the Full Appropriations Council on General Government and Health Care and serves on the Rules and Calendar Council.

Port Manatee’s Propeller Club is chartered by the International Propeller Club of the United States and is dedicated to furthering the nation’s maritime industries and the U.S. merchant marine. The local chapter is comprised of more than 100 members and is accepting new applicants. See the Web site for more information.