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Airport's flight plan ready for takeoff
By AARON SHAROCKMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published August 23, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - The future of Albert Whitted Airport, the subject of great controversy in 2003, is expected to be finalized today to near universal accord. Gone from the plan is any talk of turning one of the airport's two runways into park space, or condominiums. A referendum four years ago ended that discussion. Instead, the strategy for the airport's next 16 years calls for modest growth, a slightly shortened runway and additional hangar space. The plan for the airport is detailed in a 200-plus-page report that bears no resemblance to anything that can be perceived as controversial. In fact, the biggest debate over the last year centered around how to make the airport's alternate runway safer. City officials wanted to add about 300 feet to the runway by dredging out into Tampa Bay. The Federal Aviation Administration said the city could shorten the landing area for planes 300 feet and leave the extra space as a buffer. The FAA's way will save about $4.6-million. That idea won. Still, the plan calls for maintenance and capital improvements of at least $35-million between now and 2024. Because of generous FAA grants, the city might be on the hook for about only $2-million over the next 16 years. The City Council is expected to sign off on the master plan today. Aaron Sharockman can be reached at 727 892-2273 or asharockman@sptimes.com. On the web See it for yourself View the 200-page plan for Albert Whitted Airport at http://spgmasterplan.com.
[Last modified August 23, 2007, 00:30:55]
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by Garry
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08/23/07 08:44 PM
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Frank, It's not just the privileged few. Many blue-collar and middle-class people rent aircraft and take lessons at Albert Whitted. A couple can take a sight-seeing trip in an airplane there for less than admission to a theme park.
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by Jocephus
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08/23/07 03:18 PM
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Hey Frank, are you including the Florida Highway Patrol, Bayflight and the Civil Air Patrol in the category of "privileged few"? How about the many businesses that operate out of the airport, or the people who attend air shows at the airport?
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by Marty S.
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08/23/07 02:27 PM
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2 mil over 16 years comes out to $125,000.00 per year. That could pay for 3-4 addt'l police officers or firemen. These are the things the city council should be considering.
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by Frank
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08/23/07 10:51 AM
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The people where fooled again! The airport is only for a privleged few who own planes. A park would have been for the benefit of all the taxpayers. Why should the city spend money to benefit a select class. A PR blitz by airport supporters won.
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by John
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08/23/07 10:46 AM
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The Albert Whitted Airport is the crown jewel of the downtown area. I remember taking the bus downtown when I was a kid to wander around the airport and watch the planes come & go. There is much history there too as the birthplace of National Airline
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Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
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