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Vero Beach Regional Airport readies for expanded service; FAA approves safety program amid taxi delays
Summary
Airport officials reported terminal renovations, LED upgrades, upcoming full operations by Breeze, JetBlue and American in March, and FAA approval of the airport's Safety Management System; staff also noted taxi‑out delays and enforcement of short‑term parking rules.
Airport Director Todd Scher told the Vero Beach Airport Commission on Jan. 23 that phase 2 of the terminal renovation is underway and is expected to be completed by late February, "except for the bathrooms, which will probably not be completed until March." Scher also reported that March would be the first full month for Breeze Airways, JetBlue and American Airlines operating at Vero Beach Regional Airport.
Scher reviewed capital‑improvement projects, leases and upcoming events including the 2026 Airshow. He said interior and exterior lighting has been converted to LED fixtures and staff is working with the Florida Department of Transportation on a paved parking project aimed at modifying Parcel 5 to add a cell‑phone lot and more employee parking. Scher said a hotel developer has proposed dividing a parcel and entering into separate leases for each parcel.
Airport Operations Manager Brandon Dambeck cited FAA data showing Vero Beach Regional Airport is the busiest Class Delta airspace in the U.S. southeast region, the sixth busiest Class Delta in the nation and fourth or fifth busiest in Florida for operations.
Scher said the airport's Safety Management System program was approved by the FAA, putting the airport "in compliance." He also described operational friction: flight‑school students sometimes wait "30 minutes or longer" to taxi out, and the commission has begun working with the Vero Beach Police Department to enforce the three‑hour short‑term parking limit (one vehicle was towed). Alternate Commissioner Dr. Ian Blair Fries said he has noticed takeoff times increase by "at least 15 minutes" and suggested reviewing taxi procedures to improve flow.
On the 2026 Airshow, Scher said flight schools have been notified and initial coordination with the tower is underway; airport staff expects to provide event details to other users by the end of January.
Next steps include continued coordination with FDOT and county partners on parking and Aviation Boulevard priorities, further monitoring of taxi procedures and enforcement of parking rules; Scher and operations staff will return with updates at future meetings.
