Board approves minutes, welcomes full-time employee Tony Howard and plans tenant outreach

The Santa Rosa County Peter Prince Airport advisory board approved the minutes from the Nov. 19, 2025 meeting by voice vote and moved on to introduce a new staff member.

Jared, an airport staff member, introduced Tony Howard as a recent hire and told the board the county sent tenants Tony's contact information earlier in the month. "He is a full time employee, so he will be here every day," Jared said. (SEG 019–033)

Tony Howard spoke briefly: "I'm glad to be here. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to working with all of you." (SEG 040–050)

Board members discussed ways to recognize longtime employee Deb for her service. Board member Mike proposed a lunch and plaque to commemorate her time; Jared said staff would arrange a county-invited event. (SEG 059–075)

On tenant leases, Jared said roughly half of the new month-to-month leases had been returned and staff will make one final outreach push, including offering printed copies at the airport office and asking tenants to contact the office if they did not receive the email notice. "As you know, they're month to month leases ... so it's gonna be, hey, you've got till this day to submit it," he said. (SEG 111–136)

Jared also described updates to the airport's page on the county website: a new monthly-updates tab, links to budget pages, communications information, and a place where the AWOS and apron rehab plans will be posted when the 95% drawings are available. He encouraged tenants and users to review the site and submit feedback. (SEG 728–758)

Ending: The board discussed scheduling a luncheon to honor Deb, set the next meeting for May 20 and adjourned. (SEG 897–921)