Board hears ongoing proposal for 'Loan Palmetto' FBO site; FAA requires airport ownership, wetlands and property assembly remain hurdles
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Summary
Board discussed a proposed multiphase project called 'Loan Palmetto' that could add a second fixed-base operator (FBO); staff said the developer must assemble property, deed it to the county and address wetlands, and FAA has said no through‑the‑fence operations would be allowed.
The board received an update on a proposed project referred to in the meeting as “Loan Palmetto,” a multi-part proposal that could create a second fixed-base operator (FBO) and associated hangars, maintenance and retail operations near the airport.
Airport Director John Orazio described the proposal as “tentative at this point” and said developers must assemble several parcels that are not currently airport property. He told the board the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated it will not permit a through‑the‑fence operation for the proposed site; as a result, the assembled property would need to be deeded to the county to become airport property.
Staff flagged wetlands, property-assemblage complexity and other permitting steps as hurdles that will lengthen the project timeline. Orazio said airport staff plans to brief county council and seek direction on whether to pursue the project; staff expected to provide an update next month if council is briefed.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the developer’s business plan, the mix of proposed uses (FBO, ramp, hangars, maintenance, overhaul and retail) and ownership status of parcels. Staff confirmed the developer owned some portions but was still assembling others and that a long permitting and environmental review process is likely.
No formal action was taken; staff will prepare a council briefing with facts and figures and recommend next steps for council consideration.