Leader of Broward County, Fla., Port Authority Weathers Harsh Criticism.

Publication: The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2001 The Miami Herald

Byline: Beth Reinhard

Feb. 26--For Paul DeMariano, taking the helm of Port Everglades a little more than a year ago was a homecoming.

His three decades of maritime experience on the Eastern Seaboard included a stint at the port from 1973 to 1978.

But the reunion has lost its luster during the past few months. His recommendations on a proposed tugboat franchise and a no-bid lease for cargo handling have come under sharp attack from the Broward County Commission. Some commissioners want to curb DeMariano's authority to negotiate certain contracts privately.

In addition, the Broward state attorney's office is investigating allegations that a port employee destroyed public documents related to the cargo-handling deal.

"Yes, I'm feeling some pressure," DeMariano said.

The strain reflects a larger tug-of-war at the port, an economic hub of Broward and one of the busiest harbors in...

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