In the wake of the recent shutdown of Spirit Airlines—which left roughly 8,000 Broward County residents without jobs—local officials are ramping up efforts to connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities.
Broward County Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis is spearheading those efforts through the upcoming Port Everglades Career Fair & Expo, set for May 27 at the Broward County Convention Center. The free event is expected to draw nearly 40 employers from a range of industries, including aviation, maritime, hospitality, construction, and government.
“During times like this, it is our responsibility to show up for our residents,” Davis said. “This career fair is not just an event—it is a pathway to new opportunities, stability, and hope for those affected.”
Organizers say the initiative underscores the role of Port Everglades as a key economic engine in the region, supporting more than 12,000 local jobs across port operations and related industries.
Among the participating employers are major public and private sector entities such as the Broward Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and several maritime and construction firms. Educational institutions and workforce development agencies, including Atlantic Technical College, Florida Atlantic University, and CareerSource Broward, will also be on hand.
The event is designed to provide job seekers with direct access to recruiters, career resources, and training opportunities at a time when many in the community are navigating sudden unemployment.
“Port Everglades is a major economic engine for Broward County that generates jobs in the community and among the maritime companies that conduct business here and call our port home,” Davis said. “I am committed to inspiring job growth and helping people advance their career goals.”
Registration for the career fair is free through Eventbrite, and organizers say both attendance and parking will be at no cost to participants. Additional details are available at PortEverglades.net/career-fair.
With a wide cross-section of employers participating, officials say the expo aims to offer a practical pathway forward for thousands of residents affected by the airline shutdown, while strengthening the county’s workforce pipeline.
