St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport director to retire after three decades of service

After more than 30 years at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, including a decade as its director, Thomas Jewsbury plans to retire Oct. 1.

Jewsbury joined PIE in 1994 and was named airport director in 2015, leading the facility through a period of record passenger growth, expanded air service and $197 million in capital improvements. Projects under his leadership included terminal renovations, airfield upgrades and expanded partnerships with carriers such as Allegiant Air. Over his tenure, he helped secure more than $131 million in grant funding.

Thomas Jewsbury

“Serving as director of PIE has been the honor of my professional life,” Jewsbury said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from welcoming new destinations to improving the passenger experience and I am grateful to our dedicated airport staff, community partners and travelers who have made PIE such a special place.”

Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton has named Deputy Director Mark Sprague as interim airport director while a search is conducted for Jewsbury’s successor.

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