CLEARWATER — The Clearwater Airpark received the Florida General Aviation Airport of the Year award from the Florida Department of Transportation, topping 111 general aviation airports in the state.
The award recognizes a public general aviation airport, an airport that handles aircraft ranging from gliders to corporate jets, for superior achievements in safety, aesthetics, and management standards in the aviation industry.
“We’re honored to receive this award,” said William Morris, city marine and aviation director.
“To be selected as the top airport out of 111 general aviation airports in Florida is truly the culmination of creating an outstanding team, which consists of several groups including the airpark’s Fixed Base Operator, Clearwater City Council, various departments within the city, Florida Department of Transportation, Airport Advisory Board, and the neighbors around the airport,” Morris said
Located on a 57-acre site at 1000 N. Hercules Ave., the airpark features a 4,100-foot asphalt-surface runway, which can accommodate small single-engine and multi-engine, general aircrafts.
According to FDOT reports, the airport’s five tenants, which are important to the airport’s revenue streams, also help contribute to the $3.8 million local economy. Aviation in the state is responsible for an estimated $114.7 billion in annual economic activity, according to state records.
The city’s airpark has undergone a number of improvements in recent years, including a $1.6 million project to extend the runway.
The airpark’s contribution to the state and local economy is also driven by tenants and businesses located at the airport. The businesses provide services such as fuel, aircraft sales, flight instruction and aerial sightseeing and photography to local and transient users.
Indirect impacts, associated with spending from visitors who arrive in the area via general aviation aircraft, is approximately $843,700. In addition, the airpark operation drives nearly 87 job opportunities for the businesses in the area.
To learn more about the airpark, call (727) 443-3433 or (727) 562-462-6954 or visit myclearwater.com.