St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport Upgrades Facility

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is the midst of a major renovation that will include a six-foot blown glass wall in its main terminal and a larger passenger gate area.

The renovation -- taking place during a national falloff in air travel -- should not have a major impact on air travel and customer service, says Noah Lagos, director, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. The work includes adding more seating, loading bridges and new central air conditioning equipment.

Despite double-digit declines in air travel across the country in the past year, passenger traffic has only slipped 3 percent at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International.

The renovation also has a theme name: Sunshine Beach, and is introducing a tropical theme design to the airport. The new glass wall, the signature project in the main terminal, will be 46 feet long and 6 feet high. It is being done by Kentucky glass artist Guy Kemper, who has done glass projects in many airports, including Orlando International, and will separate passengers entering and boarding.

A $5.4 million federal stimulus grant helped the airport replace elevators, doors, corridor tile, ticketing counters and baggage conveyors in phase one of its renovation. The current phase two work is scheduled to be complete this spring.

Writer: Dave Szymanski
Source: Noah Lagos, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport

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