Commission approves direct negotiations for two airport parcels after debate over bids and proof of funds

The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 to approve Option 2 for both Arrow East and Arrow West at the county airport, authorizing continued direct negotiations with the applicant rather than reopening the parcels to a new request-for-proposals process.

The decision came after staff told the board that one applicant had offered 34 cents per square foot for Arrow East, a figure staff estimated would yield about $687,000 in annual rent if finalized. County administration said the county had previously appraised similar property at 30 cents per square foot and that reappraisals and an RFP process could take several months and cost staff time.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the choice between speed and competition. Proponents said a prompt deal would bring immediate investment, hangars and aviation-related businesses to the airport; opponents said an open RFP would protect fiduciary responsibilities and give the market a chance to offer better terms.

Commissioner Lee, who made the motion to approve the options, argued the applicant brings existing aviation business and ready capital, saying the applicant had "letters of guarantee" and could accelerate operations. "We have the perfect egg in our hand," Lee said, urging the board not to lose the company by putting the parcels back out to bid.

Opponents pressed for more documentation. Commissioner Townsend said she could not support Option 2 without financial evidence: "I have yet to see anything from this company about financials to show that they have the proof of the funds and experience," she said, expressing concerns about whether the company had fixed-base-operator (FBO) experience and whether a site plan or bank letters had been provided.

Environmental and operational questions were also raised. Commissioners asked who would cover FAA wildlife mitigation costs for scrub jays and tortoises, and staff said lessees would be responsible and would need permits for relocations where required. Commissioners debated how many gallons of fuel the airport currently sells—witnesses offered figures ranging from 1,000,000 to about 1,600,000 gallons—as context for whether a second FBO would be sustainable.

Vote and next steps: The clerk called the roll on the motion approving Option 2 for both parcels. Commissioner Townsend voted No; Commissioner Claspy voted No; Commissioner Lawrie voted Yes; Commissioner Leake voted Yes; Chair Fowler voted Yes. The motion passed 3–2. Staff will continue direct negotiations consistent with the approved option and return with any lease documents and required approvals for final action.

What the board recorded: Staff noted that reappraisal for the parcels and an RFP process could take roughly two to three months for appraisals plus at least 60 days for solicitation and another two months for evaluations—an overall six- to twelve-month timeline to a finished lease if the board chose the RFP route. Supporters said the applicant offered financial guarantees; opponents asked staff to verify bank letters and site-plan submissions before finalizing any lease.

The board moved to its next agenda item following the vote; the action does not finalize a lease and is subject to further due diligence and contract review.