JAXPORT Names New Road After COO Who Died in Crash—Here’s Why It Matters
A 2,073-foot roadway at Blount Island Marine Terminal will bear the name of James Bennett.
JAXPORT has named a new 2,073-linear-foot roadway at Blount Island Marine Terminal after its late chief operating officer, James Bennett, who died in a car accident last December. The move honours Bennett’s role in shaping the port’s $250 million annual infrastructure programme and his leadership in deepening Jacksonville’s shipping channel to 47 feet.
The road, now officially James Bennett Way, will connect Dave Rawls Boulevard to Blount Island Boulevard, providing a second access point to one of JAXPORT’s busiest terminals. The project includes a 1,318-square-foot security building and a plaza featuring a plaque commemorating Bennett’s contributions. Construction is set to improve traffic flow by reducing congestion at the terminal’s main gate.
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For eight years, Bennett steered JAXPORT’s engineering and construction efforts, first as senior director and later as COO. Southeast.
Clarkson
East Coast, allowing JAXPORT to serve post-Panamax vessels. This depth was achieved through a multi-year dredging project led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in which Bennett played a pivotal role.
“James understood that infrastructure is about more than concrete and pavement. It is about connecting people, improving safety and preparing our port for the future. This new entrance reflects that vision.”
Eric Green·CEO of JAXPORT
The tribute to Bennett extends beyond the roadway. JAXPORT and the University of North Florida (UNF) have established the James Bennett Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which has raised $181,250 from nearly 80 donors. The scholarship is a testament to Bennett’s commitment to education and workforce development, areas he prioritised during his tenure. Each recipient will also receive a paid internship with the Florida Department of Transportation, bridging the gap between academic training and industry experience.
The scholarship ensures that Bennett’s legacy will influence the next generation of professionals shaping Jacksonville’s port and broader logistics network.
The new roadway, which he helped design, will serve as a daily reminder of his impact on both the physical and strategic development of the port.
“James devoted his career to building a stronger future for JAXPORT,” said Board Chair Palmer Clarkson. The terminal’s expansion, another initiative Bennett championed, has increased its capacity to accommodate larger ships and higher cargo volumes, further solidifying Jacksonville’s role as a critical node in global supply chains.
Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland presented a resolution honouring Bennett’s life and work, underscoring his broader influence on the community. The resolution highlighted Bennett’s collaborative approach, which extended beyond JAXPORT to include partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.
His work with the Florida Department of Transportation, for example, ensured that port infrastructure projects were integrated with regional transportation networks, while his engagement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was instrumental in securing funding and approvals for the Jacksonville Harbour Deepening Project.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also honoured Bennett with a survey marker, which will be installed at JAXPORT as a permanent reference point supporting navigation. Survey markers are critical tools for mariners, providing precise coordinates for safe vessel movement in and out of the port. The marker bearing Bennett’s name will serve as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the port’s navigational infrastructure, particularly his role in the channel deepening project, which required extensive coordination between federal, state, and local stakeholders.
The scholarship and survey marker further cement Bennett’s legacy, ensuring his contributions to port infrastructure and education endure. With the first scholarships awarded next year, Bennett’s name will live on not just on a road sign, but in the careers of future engineers and logistics professionals who will shape Jacksonville’s maritime future. For students pursuing degrees in transportation, logistics, or engineering, the scholarship offers not only financial support but also a direct connection to the industry through internships and mentorship opportunities.
The new entrance is expected to open in the coming months, offering a tangible link between JAXPORT’s past and its future. For a port handling over 1 million TEUs annually, Bennett’s work remains a cornerstone of its growth. The terminal’s ability to process larger volumes of cargo efficiently is critical to Jacksonville’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs in the region and facilitating trade worth billions of dollars annually.
As the port continues to expand, Bennett’s legacy will serve as a guiding principle for future infrastructure projects, ensuring that JAXPORT remains competitive in an increasingly complex global trade landscape.
For the broader Jacksonville community, the opening of James Bennett Way will have practical implications. The new access point will reduce congestion on Blount Island Boulevard, improving travel times for port workers, truck drivers, and local residents. The security plaza and building will also enhance safety by streamlining entry procedures for vehicles entering the terminal. These improvements reflect Bennett’s focus on balancing operational efficiency with community needs, a philosophy that continues to guide JAXPORT’s development.
Looking ahead, JAXPORT’s capital programme, which Bennett oversaw, remains a key driver of the port’s growth. The $250 million annual investment supports projects ranging from terminal expansions to rail and road upgrades, all aimed at increasing capacity and efficiency. As global trade patterns evolve, JAXPORT’s ability to adapt will depend on the foundation laid by leaders like Bennett, whose vision and expertise positioned the port for long-term success.
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