St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport remains without replacement hangars more than a year after Hurricane Milton destroyed three structures that housed dozens of tenants, prompting city council members to push for faster action on rebuilding.
The hurricane’s 100 mph winds destroyed 32 storage units, and the airport has lost approximately $275,000 in rental revenue to date. A waiting list for hangar space at the waterfront facility has grown to nearly 200 names.
City council members heard rebuilding proposals Thursday, with several expressing frustration over the delay and favoring private sector involvement. The Friends of Albert Whitted Airport nonprofit has identified a company willing to build hurricane-proof concrete hangars at no upfront cost to the city in exchange for land leases.
Rebuilding costs range from $6 million to maintain the airport’s current layout to $18.2 million for an expanded “corporate layout” that would increase storage capacity.
Airport manager Rich Lesniak said hangar rents generated $960,000 annually before the storm, representing about 60% of the airport’s operating budget. The city retains 70% of hangar revenue, with operator Sheltair Aviation receiving 30%.
City Development Administrator James Corbett expressed concern that leasing land to a private company would reduce long-term rental revenue and potentially limit FEMA reimbursements, which could cover up to 87.5% of restoration costs.
The matter will be discussed further at an upcoming Public Services and Infrastructure Committee meeting.
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(Image credit: Mark Parker/St. Pete Catalyst)
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