ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport said it’s time to expand because its terminal was built to serve 2.5 million passengers and the demand is now way beyond that.
“We have experienced over 200 percent increase in passengers in the last 10 years,” Michele Routh with St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport said.
Routh said it may be small but it's consistently busy. The airport created a master plan in 2021 which looked at the next phases in planning. That next phase will address accommodations for 3.5 million passengers.
The $110 million expansion project will include more jet bridges and gates, expanding the baggage area and consolidating Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
“So we're going to have one TSA screening checkpoint then you'll have access to all concessions,” Routh said.
Mary Barnes said she visits the airport often and would like to see more options for guests.
“Shops or stores or maybe even some more food items for people that have to longer periods of time,” Barnes said.
Pinellas County commissioners recently approved funding for the design and construction management firm. One thing they will have to consider in this expansion plan is where people will park, which is already an issue.
“We ask people to get a ride to the airport because we can't guarantee parking,” Routh said.
“The first thing I thought when I pulled into today was, they really need covered parking. Especially for long-term parking with having your car out in that Florida heat. I think a parking garage could accommodate more people in a smaller footprint,” Julie McAlvey said.
The airport said it is looking to add a parking garage, but it has to figure out where it would go.
PIE said it still needs a construction manager to oversee the future design plans. The airport hopes to have that position approved by Pinellas County Commissioners no later than November.