Connect with us

Know

Is there turbulence ahead for Albert Whitted Airport?

Veronica Brezina

Published

on

Downtown St. Petersburg and the airport. File photo.

The Albert Whitted Airport, situated on prime waterfront property in St. Petersburg, may face an uncertain future as the city looks to potentially redevelop the 119-acre site.

Earlier this year, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced he instructed city staff to further study the economic and community impacts of the city-owned airfield, which also houses charter flight schools and maintenance operators. Welch stated his goal is to identify the best uses for the site through the lens of equity, business and the needs of the community.

“I understand this is a two-pronged approach – one involves us as continuing as an airport and the other involves the site not including aeronautical uses,” airport manager Richard Lesniak said, stating he is neither opposed nor against the study.  

The airport has operated at the site for over 100 years. If the city were to repurpose the site into a park or put up mixed-use developments, Lesniak said, it would be unlikely that the airport operations could continue elsewhere within Pinellas County. 

“At this point, the county doesn’t have land available even if the city wanted to relocate the airport,” he said, noting how 119 acres is significant in terms of downtown real estate but is fairly small in comparison to other airport sites. 

“One of the advantages of an airport in downtown St. Petersburg is having people [from charter schools, etc.] fly over downtown and the waterfront,” he said. 

Today, the airport is home to 180 private planes and St. Pete Air’s operations. It does not serve commercial passenger airlines. 

The property was last studied in 2018, solely on economic impact and heavily focused on the extension of the airport’s runway – but nothing further. Welch said there isn’t a specific plan for the site, but listed possible developments that could occur. 

“It could be everything from the extension of our waterpark system south to the expansion of the USF [University of South Florida] Marine Sciences Center [or] the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub – there could be a lot of possibilities,” Welch previously said, also stating it could be the new home of the Tampa Bay Rays; however, that’s not what is driving the study. 

Welch explained this would be “a clean slate” and he does not foresee hi-rise condos and similar development taking shape there. 

The site also has an existing wastewater treatment facility. 

If the city ultimately does pursue redeveloping the property, it would have to communicate and work out terms with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, which has awarded grants for the airport’s numerous projects

“Right now we are putting a pause on FAA funds until the study is completed,” Lesniak said. 

The airport recently completed an initial phase of its hanger replacement project and new tie-downs. Albert Whitted is also wrapping up its runway rehab project, which includes adding new electrical systems and lighting. 

Continue Reading
31 Comments

31 Comments

  1. Avatar

    Mike Haraseviat

    April 16, 2022at9:25 am

    I invite the author of this story, Veronica Brezina, to take an insider’s tour with me of Albert Whitted Airport. She will meet dozens of everyday local hard-working citizens that count on their jobs here to support their families. She will meet small business owners who get their hands dirty each day working as mechanics on small aircraft, local flight instructors, banner towing pilots, corporate pilots, students learning to fly, and other supporting business that many haven’t even considered. If she keeps an open mind, and writes a follow-up story after our tour, she will surely change some minds, based on the mis-informed opinions of some commenters here.

  2. Avatar

    Mike Haraseviat

    April 16, 2022at9:07 am

    The author of this story, Veronica Brezina, should do a follow-up article. There is much mis-information out there concerning Albert Whitted Airport, as evidenced in some of these comments.
    I invite her to be my guest, and take a tour of the many locally-owned individual small businesses based at Albert Whitted, interview some of the people who own and make these businesses run, and who’s families depend on their employment at Albert Whitted Airport. The author will find that is not a “rich man’s haven” as many have expressed. I can introduce her to many locals who live in the community and make their living here. People such as aircraft mechanics and apprentices, flight instructors, line service providers, restaurant employees, front-desk personnel, corporate pilots, airport maintenance technicians, students learning to fly, banner-towing pilots, and even FAA air traffic controllers.
    While non-pilots know or understand little of what goes on here, once they understand how the fiber of this small downtown airport is so closely knit into the overall St. Petersburg community, their appreciation of Albert Whitted will dramatically change. Also, the author’s statement that there is no commercial air service at Albert Whitted is not exactly correct. While there is an no “scheduled airline service” at Albert Whitted, there are literally dozens of commercial passenger and freight operations happening every day at Albert Whitted, to and from airports all over the country, the Bahamas, Caribbean, Central and South America. Who knew!
    So again, I ask the author to contact me and I will show her the actual working part of the airport that many are not aware of, and that if she writes about, will likely change the hearts and minds of many who do not truly appreciate how valuable the downtown airport is to the St. Petersburg community.

    • Veronica Brezina

      Veronica Brezina

      April 16, 2022at10:51 am

      Hi Mike, I would love to tour the airport. I will be emailing you today.

  3. Avatar

    Andy Evans

    April 15, 2022at3:47 pm

    Steve Allen, you are either a troll or completely ignorant of the facts. I won’t bore anyone, but you can go read the financial impact that Albert Whited brings to St Pete, get you facts right. And others here that complain about noise etc…how long have you lived here….aircraft patterns have not changed in decades, did you not know this when you “moved in”….and PLEASE, if you are going to make a comment don’t over exaggerate with statements about planes just Inches over buildings, go down there, take a flight in a school plane and see where they go and at what level. You might also notice that a majority of flights arrive and depart over water…..and I see jets coming into PIE and TPA over the City every day…you know they can all fall out of the sky (but rarely do).

  4. Avatar

    Rick Marinelli

    April 14, 2022at3:45 pm

    Why should the community support [insert activity in which I don’t take part] reserved for only [people who are not me]? I don’t care if [insert activity in which I don’t take part] has been around for decades longer than I have lived here, the [insert aspect of that activity that annoys me] is justification for eliminating it.

  5. Avatar

    steve allen

    April 14, 2022at11:19 am

    We don’t need a airport that benefits a few rich citizens.SHUT IT DOWN!!!!

  6. Avatar

    Cyndi

    April 14, 2022at6:42 am

    Please, please, please reroute air traffic over water until the planes are much higher before turning over our residential area… the noise of the smaller propeller planes is a real nuisance. Pilots: be considerate of residents, or don’t be surprised when residents call for the airport use to change. I don’t have a problem with the airport at all… I do have a problem with loud planes…. how do we prohibit their use, while still allowing for all the benefits of having Albert Whitted downtown?

  7. Avatar

    Velva Lee Heraty

    April 13, 2022at9:07 pm

    I’ve read through the comments and a vital, life-saving element is glaringly missing. I live a block from Whitted and 3 blocks from All Children’s Hospital. On a regular basis seriously ill children are flown in and out of Whitted. Transplant organs too.
    In addition there needs to be more than economic and community impact. There needs to be environmental considerations as well. By 2050 there’s an excellent chance most or part of Whitted will be underwater. It’s easier to elevate runways than sports stadiums. We don’t need another park along the waterfront either.

  8. Avatar

    Karen Phinney Kirkpatrick

    April 13, 2022at3:56 pm

    It is so very disheartening to see comments from those who obviously do not know all the benefits of having this local jewel in our community. If they did their research they would know, if they were as active in the St. Petersburg community as many of us are and some of us for decades. Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG) will always be a target simply because of where it is located on waterfront property. It is our area’s home base for the Civil Air Patrol and where many hospital emergency airlift services fuel up, as well as several law enforcement agency helicopters. I could go on about the airport but one thing is certain: we do not need another park. Pinellas County has 167 parks and there currently is a beautiful one right next to the airport!! I am highly suspicious Ken Welch is thinking of a Rays stadium. The congestion and density as well as environmental factors would never support this; there have been numerous studies conducted. If the city decides to pursue this wasteful endeavor be prepared for a fight. I was part of the fight that kept the airport back in 2004 and all hands will be on deck. This will include not only locals but the AOPA, FAA and other aviation agencies & organizations across the country. The upside is we will probably have a huge fly-in again and have another airshow!!! Final note: I already regret voting for Ken Welch for mayor. He will lose a lot of supporters who helped elect him if he continues to beat this dead horse. There are more immediate pressing issues.

  9. Avatar

    Steven Noeltner

    April 13, 2022at3:52 pm

    Leave the airport alone. We enjoy seeing the planes take off, soar around the city and land. The propellar engines add ambiance to our fast vanishing Home Town. Thank you Rick Baker….NOT!!!!!

  10. Avatar

    Olleromas

    April 13, 2022at1:56 pm

    Assuming all 180 private aircraft owners are residents, then .0006 % of the population of the city is getting direct benefit. There seems like better uses for the property where many more residents could enjoy it.

  11. Avatar

    leanne gerhart

    April 13, 2022at10:12 am

    *************************** PEAK SURF PARK *****************************
    We need them in Pinellas and they are looking for property!

  12. Avatar

    Andy Evans

    April 13, 2022at9:15 am

    First, having an airport is positive attribute to the City, it elevates us and a thriving business and social community. To say that it only benefits the few is missing the point, it brings wealth to the City, which flows into the community, this trickle down is important. The idea that this only serves the few could also apply to every Marina in the area, should we just ban people who own expensive boats and open the area to one big small rental boats (subsidized of course) and fishing peers!. Secondly why don we just build on all the Park land on the waterfront, Straub and Vine Park would be ideal for KW’s ideas and think how that would improve downtown and business. Finally as someone else mentioned, this airports future was decided years ago and despite how thing may have changed you cannot reverse policies every time a new mayor arrives. Ken, go deal with real issues, you good at that.

  13. Avatar

    Hugh J. Hazeltine

    April 13, 2022at7:45 am

    You can book a banner to be towed out of Albert Whitted at flysigns.com

  14. Avatar

    David B

    April 13, 2022at7:14 am

    As a downtown resident for the last 8 years, I’ve always felt that the airport added a unique aspect to downtown, and is tied to the city’s history as the birthplace of commercial airline flight. But several commenters pose a good question about whether the airport is the best use of the land for the largest number of people, considering its size and its prime waterfront location. But what would be a better use? Certainly not luxury condos for a handful of well-off people. Maybe a new park? I certainly hope the study is being done in an unbiased way with no under-the-table motive, but we’ll see.

  15. Avatar

    Chris Gregory

    April 12, 2022at11:30 pm

    Nobody mentions that the city is under a legal obligation by agreement with the FAA to keep the airport operating for 20 years after the last federal money was used to pay for improvements. That would be in 2041 unless it is extended by the acceptance of more federal grants.
    The city is absolutely wasting taxpayers money doing any research. Their lawyers already know this too. I’m not sorry to tell you that the airport will be here for at least 20 more years.

  16. Avatar

    Adam Smith

    April 12, 2022at10:10 pm

    So long as high rise, private development is off the table, it makes complete sense to look at how this prime, public land can be enjoyed by everybody in the community, rather than the tiny sliver that uses it now. Bravo Ken Welch for a bold and sensible step.

  17. Avatar

    Mike Connelly

    April 12, 2022at10:07 pm

    Try living downtown …. With the noise overhead Take offs and landing.

    Inches over NE & SE …. catastrophe in the making it is a matter of time.

    End it ….

  18. Avatar

    Donna Marie Kostreva

    April 12, 2022at7:58 pm

    Mr. Lashley, your response is one of dollar signs related to real estate transactions, exactly the point of view to which James Coyne referred in 2003, ”When an airport is threatened by closure, there’s often a secret agenda…in almost every single case, the real reason is greed.”
    The airport is a valuable asset to all the people is St. Petersburg, not just the select few who might live there should it become high ruse dwellings for the wealthy.

  19. Avatar

    Paul Murray

    April 12, 2022at7:52 pm

    Extending the runway would allow mote jets to land there bringing not only huge fuel sales and thus income for the city, but also future residents who can afford to pay large property tax bills. If this airport disappears, you can never get it back. We don’t need more condos with the traffic and infrastructure stresses they bring. I believe the mayor wants to give the property to USF. Do we want to continue to grow smartly with an airport that supports the city, or become a second rate suburb of Tampa?

  20. Avatar

    Greg lewis

    April 12, 2022at5:44 pm

    Way to premature the outcome of Albert Whitted Airport.
    As this town grows exponentially the same goes for the demolition of st.Petersburg’s history and culture.
    The land could prove in the future to be St.Petersburg best asset, you may ask what future asset, technology .
    Have you noticed the rate of speed the electric car has breached into our lives in a very short period of time.
    The same may apply to air travel and transportation.
    Why jeopardize restructuring for profit waisted on poor decisions .
    The city Needs to Focus on Water, water treatment, flood control, sewage , and all the dealing with city growth.
    Don’t pull a Cane Toad, address the catastrophic changes this city will experience on many levels.

  21. Shaquille Lashley

    Shaquille Lashley

    April 12, 2022at5:21 pm

    This referendum was almost 20 years ago! St Pete’s demographic has absolutely changed in drastic fashion. You put that up for vote again and we’ll see different results. Why have an airport utilizing 119 -acres in the hottest downtown in the Southeast United States? And on the waterfront at that. Relocate the airport to Toytown that is twice the size of this property and has better regional connectivity. Both sides win

  22. Avatar

    Donna Marie Kostreva

    April 12, 2022at4:17 pm

    Albert Whitted Airport is the birthplace of scheduled commercial airline flight, has a huge economic impact on the city, and is the only home in this county for an endangered burrowing owl.

    The land formerly know as Cook Springfield tracks was renamed Albert Whitted Airport in 1928 after city native, Lieutenant James Albert Whitted USNR, one of the USN’s first 250 Aviators. He designed and built his plane named “Bluebird,” and took locals flying.
    National Airlines began service at AW in 1934. The Goodyear
    Year blimp began its stay here in 1934.
    Today, where would we all be without The life saving Bayflight Helicopter flying far and wide to reach the imperiled in our community. The US Coast Guard is located at the SE corner of AW.

    The economic impact on our community is well over $33million annually, not to mention the nearly 400 employed there.
    AW is home now to the Grand Prix which further adds to the city coffers.

    Picture a devastating storm that might take out a bridge or two. AW would make the perfect staging area for delivering critical supplies.AW is designated by the FAA as a critical reliever airport. It is imperative that we maintain AW for Homeland Security!

    The little burrowing owl, Speotyto cunucularia makes his home only at AW in the entire county .

    James Coyne, former Congressman and National Air Transportation President, visiting AW in 2003 described AW as “Number 3 out of 100, on the most needed yet threatened airports in America .”

    The Tribune quoted Mr. Coyne as saying,” When an airport is threatened by closure, there’s often a secret agenda…in almost every single case, the real reason is greed.”

    In 2003 the voters soundly defeated an attempt to close AW by an 85% voting against closure. Seems like history repeating itself !

  23. Avatar

    Sarah Hoddinott

    April 12, 2022at3:59 pm

    It is outrageous that in a city of 270,000, 119 acres of the most desirable land in the city is reserved for the use of 280 private plane owners and the very few who can take flying lessons. This land should be put to better use

  24. Avatar

    Sarah Hoddinott

    April 12, 2022at3:56 pm

    Banner towing is not allowed out of that airport.

  25. Avatar

    Hugh J. Hazeltine

    April 12, 2022at3:35 pm

    To say it is not a commercial airport is incorrect. Commerce is being conducted there every day. Aircraft rental, Flight Instruction, Charter Flights, Banner towing, Aircraft Maintenance, Helicopter Rides, and Fuel Sales.

    • Veronica Brezina

      Veronica Brezina

      April 12, 2022at3:42 pm

      It does not have commercial airline service.

  26. Avatar

    Tom Franklin

    April 12, 2022at3:27 pm

    Start the recall effort!

  27. Avatar

    Scott Saunders

    April 12, 2022at3:18 pm

    Peter O’ Knight airport next!!

  28. Avatar

    Page Obenshain

    April 12, 2022at3:18 pm

    78% of our voters rejected the proposal not long ago and that is a huge number. Why waste time and money studding this now? Access and egress at that site would be very difficult as our streets are congested now.

  29. Avatar

    Michael Blavk

    April 12, 2022at3:17 pm

    Terrible news.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By posting a comment, I have read, understand and agree to the Posting Guidelines.

The St. Pete Catalyst

The Catalyst honors its name by aggregating & curating the sparks that propel the St Pete engine.  It is a modern news platform, powered by community sourced content and augmented with directed coverage.  Bring your news, your perspective and your spark to the St Pete Catalyst and take your seat at the table.

Email us: spark@stpetecatalyst.com

Subscribe for Free

Share with friend

Enter the details of the person you want to share this article with.