Port Canaveral is already the second busiest cruise port in the world and now there's a push to drastically expand cargo operations while bringing in thousands of jobs.

The candidates for Canaveral Port Authority commissioner district 3 will help decide what happens.

Frank Sullivan was elected as port commissioner from District 3 back in 2010, and said he wants to continue his work. The lifelong Cocoa resident has made a living growing citrus. Sullivan said he wants to see this growing port 'grow' even more.

"My vision is to continue to grow the cruise business, continue to work with cargo to really make that the game changer I think it's going to be," Sullivan said.

Four million cruise passengers pass through each year now. Cargo operations are estimated to bring in some 15,000 additional jobs in the coming years.

Sullivan said running the port like a self-sufficient business as it has been since tax dollar funding ended in the mid 80's, is still the way to go. What began as an $18 million taxpayer investment decades ago is now a $3 billion economic engine. Something he still wants to be a part of as commissioner.

"This is a return on investment for the voters of Brevard County and they deserve it," Sullivan said.
 
Wayne Justice was a career Coast Guard member, serving nearly four decades and ended as an admiral.

"I've got some significant maritime expertise, and it's something I really think I could add some value to the commission," Justice said.

He spent 15 years in Florida, and is happy to be settled on the Space Coast. During his career, he oversaw a $6 billion budget, commanded ships and was a military aide to Presidents George HW Bush and Bill Clinton. One of the keys he said with a growing port is making sure it's secure.

"I was responsible for the Coast Guard operations from New Jersey down to South Carolina and all the ports in between," Justice said. "So I really appreciate the need for understanding and making sure that the transportation of passengers and goods are safe and secure."

There's also a write-in candidate for district 3 who will appear on the November ballot. We reached out to Mark Anthony Rieman of Cocoa Beach, but never heard back.