Council authorizes airport repairs; resident warns of ongoing safety hazards at Albert Whitted

City Council unanimously approved a pair of actions on Jan. 9 to begin cleanup and repairs at Albert Whitted Airport after extensive storm damage; the council also heard a public comment describing persistent safety hazards on the airfield.

After staff explained the procurement and funding plan for demolition and repair work, the council approved agenda items F3A and F3B by voice vote. Staff said a draft contract, bonds and insurance were in place and that a pre‑construction meeting has already occurred; upon signature the city will issue a notice to proceed and the contractor aims to complete work before the Grand Prix so airport access is not impaired by event setup.

Public comment came from resident Liam Hawkins, who said the airport had received no comprehensive cleanup 91 days after the storms and described debris that blocks access, jagged metal, contaminated areas and aircraft trapped in hangars. Hawkins told council the airport had “32 hangars destroyed, 10 aircraft destroyed, 2 helicopters destroyed” and recounted an incident when a twisted I‑beam fell from a hangar during high winds and nearly struck a person. Hawkins asked the council to expedite cleanup for safety and operational reasons; he also questioned whether Grand Prix setup could be impacted.

Council and staff told Hawkins cleanup started with smaller items and utility repairs, and that larger demolition work required the formal contracting process and thorough FEMA documentation. City staff said the contract language and insurance were in place and that work would proceed immediately after council approval. Staff also summarized funding paths the city is pursuing, noting FEMA, state (FDOT) and insurance are potential sources; staff said FAA Airport Improvement Program dollars cannot be used for storm damage unless congress changes program rules, per the FAA district office guidance shared with staff.

Action: Council approved F3A and F3B unanimously; clerk announced each motion passed unanimously.

Clarifying details from the meeting: staff said smaller repairs (gate operators and limited building repairs) had already started; the larger demolition/cleanup and reconstruction require executed contracts and may rely on FEMA, insurance and FDOT assistance. The administration said it expects to issue notice to proceed immediately after execution and aims to finish before the Grand Prix to avoid disrupting airport users and event setup.