Clearwater airport board hears safety upgrades, state grant awards and project timelines

The Clearwater Airport Board on an administrative meeting approved its May minutes and spent most of the session receiving operational and capital‑project updates from airport staff and representatives.

An airport operations representative reported a string of safety‑focused changes over the past roughly 120 days, including replacement of aging fuel‑farm equipment at the operator’s expense, two new fuel trucks with enhanced monitoring systems, documented standard operating procedures and industry training for Pump Fuel employees, and increased frequency of fuel testing. “We’ve improved the quality and increased the frequency of our fuel testing to be more in line with industry standards,” the representative said. The representative also said the operator has overnight security on site 24/7 and that a new access gate on Grand Avenue has been installed and is awaiting power to prevent vehicular access across a taxiway.

On airspace work, the representative said the airport retained a consultant that submitted an obstacle report for a proposed instrument approach; the consultant recommended trimming or removing some trees that could affect approach minima. The representative cautioned that tree work would change minimums and timing but would not block publication of the approach itself.

Staff reported several other operational items: eviction or non‑renewal notices were issued to about 10 aircraft assessed as noncompliant or uninsured, reducing the number of based helicopters used for training; the airport formed an advisory council that includes tenants and neighborhood representation to provide real‑time feedback; and the operator is re‑checking FAA guidance about installing a net to reduce the recurring problem of golf balls striking aircraft and property.

On capital projects, the interim liaison presented recent state grant activity and requests. The board was told the city received three state grants approved by the council and is redoing its engineer‑of‑record contracts to move into design and procurement. The liaison said state funding allocated to a pavement/apron overlay program (quoted at $3,382,000 in the meeting) is largely an 80% state / 20% local match arrangement; a previous local estimate of construction for the apron overlay was cited at about $1.6 million and staff said they were trying to remain under $2 million for that project. The board was also told $300,000 is programmed for terminal design and that the state provided $17,000 for a replacement electric utility vehicle.

Staff said they have requested $3,000,000 from the state for commercial hangars and that the state has so far provided $679,000 toward that request. Parking‑lot expansion was listed as an $800,000 request; liaison comments emphasized that timelines depend on grant approvals and council programming. For fiscal year 2025, staff said they have requested $40,000 for runway and taxiway striping and have asked the CIP for $3,000,000 to replace the perimeter fence, with other businesses and city facilities expected to help cover the 20% local match.

Personnel changes were also addressed. The interim liaison said Eric Gandy is no longer with the organization and that he will serve as liaison in the interim. He introduced Bill, who described himself as a Marine Aviation staff member and a retiree of the Clearwater Police Department; Bill said he will take lead on marina items and assist with airport projects during the transition.

Board members asked questions about tenant accommodation if shade hangars are removed, options for tie‑downs or commercial hangar space, the timeline for terminal work, and whether the 24/7 security contact number could be shared with nearby residents; staff said they will provide a written summary of programmed projects, funding sources and estimated timeframes and said the FBO phone number will be made available for security calls.

The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was made and the chair closed the session.

Next steps noted during the meeting: staff will send board members a cover sheet and project programming details for the grants and parking lot questions; the city’s engineer‑of‑record procurement will proceed once state funding is finalized and the council approves required items.