St. Petersburg may retain Albert Whitted Airport’s operation for an additional 20 years.
Mayor Ken Welch’s administration has adapted its position regarding the future of Albert Whitted Airport, a discussion that first emerged shortly after his initial entry into City Hall three years ago. St. Petersburg is now poised to accept a state grant that mandates the airport to remain operational for aviation purposes for the next two decades. This measure received unanimous approval during its initial public hearing at City Council, with a final vote scheduled for May 1.
The mayor’s pivot appears informed by the weight of data and ongoing analysis regarding the airport’s community value. In recent discussions, Welch indicated that plans to explore non-aviation developments for the 119-acre site were being abandoned following a careful assessment. Albert Whitted Airport, seen by many as a historic landmark, is recognized as the birthplace of commercial aviation, where the world’s first scheduled commercial flight took off.
Previously, in 2022, the airport had been considered as a potential venue for a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays, although that idea was later dismissed due to concerns about rising sea levels. Welch initially commissioned an economic impact study to evaluate the airport’s role within the broader context of local needs, including the possibility of expanding the city’s innovation district or developing more green spaces. However, a proposal for a 0,000 expenditure on that study was rejected in favor of funds directed towards urban tree planting.
Subsequently, Welch opted to cease external studies on alternative usages of the airport and instead focus on an internal analysis aimed at enhancing the airport’s contributions to city equity and overall community impact. He emphasized the airport’s crucial role during disaster recovery, highlighting its utility in providing access and support during emergencies, a point underscored by President Joe Biden’s visit in the aftermath of recent hurricanes.
Amidst the airport’s future considerations, the city has established a task force aiming to explore advancements in air mobility, particularly concerning electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). Welch has been vocal about the importance of integrating these developments with community access, as exemplified by a recent scholarship initiative aimed at supporting future pilots.
St. Petersburg is on the verge of accepting a grant of 4,800 from the Florida Department of Transportation for vital equipment upgrades at the airport, a funding source that will similarly tie the land to aviation uses for the next two decades. The ongoing renovation efforts come in light of hurricane damage incurred at the facility, with city funds already allocated for repairs. Residents and aviation supporters emphasize the airport’s significance, stressing its role as a community asset amid ongoing recovery efforts from climate-related challenges.
As Mayor Welch continues to navigate the complexities of urban planning and resource allocations, the future of Albert Whitted Airport remains a focal point that reflects the city’s evolving infrastructure requirements as well as its historical legacy.
