MEDIA ADVISORY: Díaz-Balart to Attend the Groundbreaking of PortMiami’s Phytosanitary and Cold Chain Processing Facility

MIAMI, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) will hold a media availability for the groundbreaking ceremony of PortMiami’s new Phytosanitary and Cold Chain Processing Facility, which he championed and funded. This media availability will be held on Monday, July 21st, at 9:30 AM ET at 7449 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33144 (vacant land, southwest of Miami International Airport).

This future-ready perishables facility will be the first center of its kind in the state of Florida and the largest in the U.S.  

The new facility will provide advanced treatments and inspection capabilities for imported fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plant-based and perishable items. Utilizing U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified non-chemical treatments, the center is designed to expedite inspections while enhancing protection against pests and diseases that could threaten U.S. agriculture.

WHAT:

Groundbreaking of PortMiami’s Phytosanitary and Cold Chain Processing Facility

WHO:

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26)

Hydi Webb, Director and CEO, PortMiami

Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO, Miami International Airport

Jimmy Morales, Chief Operations Officer, Miami-Dade County

Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County

Michael Mandich, Managing Partner, Mandich Group

Chip Starns, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Reveam

WHEN:

Monday, July 21

9:30 AM ET

WHERE:

Vacant land, southwest of Miami International Airport

7449 NW 12th Street

Miami, FL 33144

Editor’s Note:

Media registration/set-up begins at 9:00 a.m.

Event begins at 9:30 a.m. Parking will be available on-site.

If you are attending, please RSVP via email to Alfredo Pereira alfredo.pereira@miamidade.gov from PortMiami by Friday July 18, 2025.