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The Port of Palm Beach may not receive the same attention as City Hall or the County Commission, but its work touches nearly every corner of the regional economy. The Port supports maritime commerce, international trade, transportation infrastructure and thousands of jobs throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida.
For Port of Palm Beach District, Group 5, The County endorses incumbent Commissioner Deandre J. Poole.
Poole, a West Palm Beach native and Florida Atlantic University instructor, brings both academic and civic experience to the Port Commission. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from Howard University and has served on numerous community and regional boards. He also represents the Port on the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency's governing board.
But the strongest argument for Poole's reelection is his record on the Port itself.
During his first term, Poole has served in Port leadership and participated in a period of significant infrastructure investment. His campaign reports that the Port secured more than $13 million in state funding and completed a $36 million infrastructure project. Those figures are also reflected in his campaign's voter-guide responses, where he identifies infrastructure, grant funding and long-term planning among the Port's central challenges.
The Port itself has continued to emphasize responsible growth, financial strength and reinvestment. Poole was reelected vice chair of the Commission for 2026, a position that reflects the confidence of his fellow commissioners in his continued leadership.
There is still work ahead. The Port anticipates significant infrastructure needs as maritime activity grows, including major investments in its berths and surrounding infrastructure. Poole has advocated for a long-term approach to financing those improvements while pursuing outside funding rather than placing new tax burdens on Palm Beach County residents.
That approach is particularly important given the Port's unusual structure. It is an independent special district with taxing authority, but the Port has not levied ad valorem taxes on district residents since 1975. Its ability to remain financially self-sustaining while investing in infrastructure should remain a central consideration for its governing board.
Poole's challenger, Republican Ted Sarandis, has also put forward a candidacy for the seat. We encourage voters to examine his qualifications and positions as part of their own decision-making. But after reviewing the candidates and the responsibilities of the office, The County believes Poole's experience on the Commission and demonstrated involvement in the Port's current infrastructure and economic-development work warrant another term.
The Port needs commissioners who understand that economic development is not simply about attracting business. It is also about maintaining the infrastructure, partnerships, workforce and long-term planning necessary to sustain that growth.
Poole has demonstrated that understanding during his first term.
For Port of Palm Beach District, Group 5, The County endorses DEANDRE J. POOLE.
