Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) will be available to the media during the groundbreaking ceremony for PortMiami’s new Phytosanitary and Cold Chain Processing Facility. The event, which Díaz-Balart championed and funded, is scheduled for Monday, July 21st at 9:30 AM ET. It will take place at 7449 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33144.
The facility is set to be a pioneering center in Florida and the largest of its kind in the United States. It will provide advanced treatment and inspection capabilities for imported perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plant-based goods. Using USDA-certified non-chemical treatments, the center aims to expedite inspections while enhancing protection against pests and diseases that could threaten U.S. agriculture.
Key attendees include Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Hydi Webb (Director and CEO of PortMiami), Ralph Cutié (Director and CEO of Miami International Airport), Jimmy Morales (Chief Operations Officer of Miami-Dade County), Honorable Daniella Levine Cava (Mayor of Miami-Dade County), Michael Mandich (Managing Partner of Mandich Group), and Chip Starns (Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Reveam).
Media registration begins at 9:00 a.m., with parking available on-site. Attendees are asked to RSVP via email to Alfredo Pereira from PortMiami by Friday July 18, 2025.
