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City belatedly begins repairs at storm-damaged airport

Mark Parker

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Hurricane Milton damaged hangars, lighting systems, aircraft and runways at Albert Whitted Airport. Photo by Mark Parker.

St. Petersburg will begin repairing Albert Whitted Airport more than three months after Hurricane Milton substantially damaged the publicly owned facility. 

City Council members unanimously approved a $1.2 million contract Jan. 9 to commence a hangar demolition and removal project. Crews will start building the 2025 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg’s track, which runs through the municipal airport, in about three weeks.

Liam Hawkins, a pilot based at Albert Whitted, said unremoved storm debris nearly killed a colleague less than two weeks before the meeting. He noted recent wind gusts blew a twisted steel beam off a damaged hangar that almost struck a person standing next to an aircraft preparing for takeoff.

“We have an ongoing human safety crisis,” Hawkins said. “On a very small scale, but it still exists. It may be good for Bayfront’s (Health St. Petersburg) business, but not good for human health and safety.”

City documents state Milton’s winds completely destroyed three buildings and significantly damaged adjacent structures at the waterfront airport. Officials consider 32 “individual t-hanger units” a total loss.

Clearwater-based Biltmore Construction Co. will soon begin demolishing and removing destroyed buildings and repairing salvageable structures. Hawkins said there has been “zero cleanup” at the airport in the three months since the storm.

He noted Albert Whitted is home to multiple nonprofit and medical organizations and groups who work to increase aviation access and education. Hawkins called it painful to see the city overlook the damaged facility.

Volunteers have tried to move debris and clear a path for aircraft or vehicles and were “threatened with arrest.” Hawkins said thousands of pounds of twisted steel and glass litter the facility, and aviation fuel has spilled onto documents and personal belongings in areas “we’re not allowed to access.”

In addition to the 32 hangars, he said the storm destroyed 10 planes and two helicopters, and “most of those remain on the field.”

“We also have several aircraft that are in fine working condition – or suspected to be – that are entombed in hangars that may or may not be condemned,” he continued. “Some are not, but they’re blocked by debris that we’re not allowed to relocate.”

The airport’s runway serves as the Grand Prix’s final straightaway. Photo by Mark Parker.

Hawkins said areas of Albert Whitted that remain operational during the Grand Pix, per federal law, are currently unusable. He also noted the storm damage provides a somber backdrop for a globally televised event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Councilmember Gina Driscoll has previously heard those concerns. She questioned why the city “couldn’t just dive in and start fixing everything at the airport.”

Rich Lesniak, airport manager, said crews began conducting minor repairs. However, work requiring heavy equipment and specialized personnel necessitated a procurement process.

Officials also had to document separate damage from Hurricane Helene and Milton to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements. The city also awaits insurance payments.

Lesniak said the Federal Aviation Administration cannot provide storm damage assistance without temporary congressional approval. The city can apply for Florida Department of Transportation grants and will need additional funding when it progresses to the reconstruction phase.

“Well, I’m glad we have this before us today, and I’m hoping we can finally get going with the repairs …  because this is something people are very passionate about,” Driscoll said. “In some cases, it’s part of the transportation they need for the work they do, and the sooner we can get everyone back to semi-normal, the better.”

An evaluation committee selected four consulting and design firms Oct. 22 to help complete several previously planned and new projects at Albert Whitted. “Airfield lighting, pavement rehab and hangar construction – I think those are the big three,” Lesniak said of needed experience at the meeting.

Brejesh Prayman, engineering and capital improvements director, expects demolition and removal work to conclude “well ahead” of the Feb. 28 Grand Prix. He said the construction contract includes allowances for unforeseen expenses that require additional approval.

 

 

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Avatar

    Hugh Hazeltine

    January 14, 2025at1:15 pm

    There are two aircraft visible in the Hangar Wreckage. A Piper Saratoga and a Cessna 340. Despite their airframe damage there is still value that can be had when their engines and navigation systems are harvested.

  2. Avatar

    S

    January 14, 2025at1:50 am

    I can’t help but wonder what nonprofits are being subsidized by Saint Petersburg taxpayers. Obviously they are never mentioned.

    And these nonprofits’ purpose is to Increase aviation “access and education.” These are fabulous buzz words that are supposed to make people stop wondering what’s going on. I’m surprised they didn’t throw in DEI as well. To make aviation more diverse and equitable. And inclusive.

    Well, now everything is clear.

    Now taxpayers completely understand whether their money is being wisely used.

    Did the mayor arrange to negligently drop the insurance coverage here as well? Like with the Trop?

  3. Avatar

    HAL FREEDMAN (CRR)

    January 13, 2025at6:07 pm

    We are lucky the Grand Prix is coming up, or the City would have let this sit longer. Health, safety, businesses, etc. that aren’t part of the Gas Plant are low priority to the City.

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