Council adopts airport fee resolution as city prepares for new carriers; parking and terminal upgrades highlighted
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Summary
Council approved a resolution updating airport fees as Vero Beach prepares for JetBlue and American service; staff described terminal rehabilitation, Parking Lot C, employee parking and potential third-party long-term parking leases.
The Vero Beach City Council approved a resolution this week updating regulations, fees and rental rates for use of Vero Beach Regional Airport as the airport prepares to receive new commercial service.
Vote: The resolution establishing updated airport fees passed 5–0.
Why it matters: City staff said the airport will see new service from JetBlue beginning Dec. 11 and American Airlines beginning Feb. 12, and officials told the council they did not recruit the carriers or offer incentives; the airlines approached the airport.
Terminal and parking updates Airport staff described an ongoing terminal rehabilitation that will be done in phases. Phase 1 work is on the baggage makeup area between the short-term parking and the terminal; phase 2 (work in front of the terminal) is expected to begin in mid-November with target progress by late December or early January. The city plans covered walkways and upgraded covered baggage claim areas.
Parking operations and proposals - Parking Lot C (current grass area by the control tower) is in design; staff said design changes suggested by city reviewers have delayed construction and the project will likely start after the coming busy season (target mid‑2026). The revised design increases capacity — and cost — and staff said they will seek additional FDOT funds to cover the increase. - A 53‑space long‑term lot (plus ADA) is being converted to employee-only parking to free short-term spaces for visitors and restaurant patrons. - Staff described negotiations with a private parking operator to develop and manage overflow and long-term parking (potentially on land the airport controls). Under that concept, the city would receive land rent and concession fees; details and lease terms remain under negotiation. Council members asked for protections in leases for the city and for customers if airline service changes.
Security and operations TSA said it had not reported any disruptions related to a federal shutdown and staff said there is an operational one‑hour buffer the airport director can impose between departures if TSA screening capacity requires it. Staff said the airport’s recently opened customs facility had cleared 61 aircraft since opening in May/June.
Speakers quoted or referenced are taken directly from council remarks and airport staff presentations.