St. Petersburg is set to commence repairs on Albert Whitted Airport, over three months after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the publicly owned facility.

On January 9, City Council members unanimously approved a $1.2 million contract to start the demolition and removal of damaged hangars. Crews are scheduled to begin constructing the 2025 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg track, which runs through the municipal airport, in approximately three weeks.

Liam Hawkins, a pilot based at Albert Whitted, reported that unremoved storm debris nearly caused a fatal incident for a colleague just weeks before the meeting. He noted that recent wind gusts dislodged a twisted steel beam from a damaged hangar, narrowly missing a person standing next to an aircraft preparing for takeoff.

“We have an ongoing human safety crisis,” Hawkins said. “It’s on a small scale, but it exists. While it may benefit Bayfront Health St. Petersburg’s business, it’s not good for human health and safety.”

According to city documents, Hurricane Milton’s winds completely destroyed three buildings and significantly damaged nearby structures at the waterfront airport. Officials have deemed 32 “individual t-hangar units” a total loss.

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

Albert Whitted is home to multiple nonprofit and medical organizations that work to increase aviation access and education. Hawkins expressed frustration at the city’s neglect of the damaged facility.

Volunteers have attempted to clear debris and create pathways for aircraft or vehicles but were “threatened with arrest.” Hawkins described thousands of pounds of twisted steel and glass littering the facility, with aviation fuel spilled onto documents and personal belongings in areas they are “not allowed to access.”

Besides the 32 hangars, the storm destroyed 10 planes and two helicopters, with “most of those remaining on the field.”

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

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

Councilmember Gina Driscoll acknowledged these concerns and questioned why the city “couldn’t just dive in and start fixing everything at the airport.”

Airport manager Rich Lesniak explained that while crews began minor repairs, work requiring heavy equipment and specialized personnel needed a procurement process.

Officials also had to document separate damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements. The city is also awaiting insurance payments.

Lesniak added that 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 for 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 their work, and the sooner we can get everyone back to semi-normal, the better.”

An evaluation committee selected four consulting and design firms on October 22 to assist with several planned and new projects at Albert Whitted. “Airfield lighting, pavement rehab, and hangar construction – those are the big three,” Lesniak highlighted during the meeting.

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

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(Image credit: Reuters)