JAXPORT Board Approved New Terminal Entrance Road
The port authority honored late executive James Bennett by naming the new roadway and establishing a scholarship fund.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
The JAXPORT Board has approved plans to construct a new entrance plaza and a 2,073-linear-foot roadway at the Blount Island Marine Terminal. The project will be named James Bennett Way in memory of the executive who served as chief operating officer.
Why it matters
The new infrastructure aims to improve efficiency by reducing vehicle traffic congestion at the marine terminal's primary gate. Simultaneously, the initiative honors Bennett through an endowed scholarship for local students.
The project includes a 1,318-square-foot security building and a roadway spanning 2,073 linear feet. The memorial scholarship fund has secured $181,250 in contributions from nearly 80 individual donors.
The players
JAXPORT
This is the independent government agency responsible for overseeing the seaport and maritime terminals in Jacksonville.
James Bennett
He was the chief operating officer of JAXPORT who served the organization before his death in 2025.
University of North Florida
This public university located in Jacksonville is the academic partner managing the new memorial scholarship fund.
The details
The new route will connect Dave Rawls Boulevard to Blount Island Boulevard to streamline terminal access. The University of North Florida will oversee the scholarship fund, which provides support for students in logistics, engineering, and transportation fields.
Timeline
James Bennett began his role as JAXPORT chief operating officer in 2022.
James Bennett passed away on December 8, 2025.
The JAXPORT Board officially approved the entrance project on September 28, 2026.
The first round of scholarship awards is scheduled for 2027.
Market Landscape
This development aligns with broader trends of integrating corporate social responsibility with necessary infrastructure expansion. The project follows a pattern set by the Florida Department of Transportation internship framework by integrating direct industry experience into the scholarship program.
Residents and commuters using the area around the Blount Island Marine Terminal should anticipate long-term improvements in traffic flow once construction concludes. Students pursuing degrees in logistics and engineering can expect the first scholarship awards to be available in 2027.
The takeaway
This project highlights how organizational infrastructure planning can successfully integrate community support and memorial efforts. Future logistics students will benefit from the combination of direct financial aid and professional internship opportunities.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership and organizational developments, visit the People section.
