FBO reports FAA instrument‑approach tests, new Coast Guard MOU and tenant concerns at Clearwater Air Park

During the fixed‑base operator report, Barry (identified in the meeting as the FBO representative) told the board that FAA and the airport’s consultant completed test flights for a proposed instrument approach and that staff expect a draft approach plate in the next month or so.

“We did test flights for the instrument approach … I think we'll see a draft approach plate sometime in the next month or so,” Barry said. Board members welcomed that progress and discussed clearing trees that may appear in the FAA obstacle report.

Barry also said the airport entered a new memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Coast Guard after the hurricane, which recognizes the airfield’s elevation and role in public safety. He described ongoing dialogue with FAA and Saint Pete Tower about operations.

On tenant relations, Barry said tenant meetings have resumed quarterly and tenants generally appreciate recent maintenance and communication improvements; recurring complaints included golf balls encroaching on field areas and deteriorating hangar doors. The FBO said staff are trying to address hangar‑door maintenance proactively and are coordinating a potential netting or fence solution with the city for next year.

Security and infrastructure updates reported in the FBO section included a new plan to install coded locks on pedestrian gates for storm access (with combinations changed after each storm and shared only with tenants), activation of the Grand Avenue gate and planned camera placement to monitor access, and a signed contract to pilot a mesh Wi‑Fi network beginning with a prototype station at the FBO.

Named individuals appearing in the report included William Holt (who identified himself during discussion of the Coast Guard MOU) and advisory‑board member Sarah James Moran (noted as an active neighborhood representative). The board discussed next steps on tree clearing, gate access procedures during storms, and additional outreach to tenants. No formal vote or policy decision was taken during this section of the meeting.