Clearwater advances $13.7M airport terminal project

Clearwater City Council is set to consider a $13.66 million contract for a new terminal at Clearwater Executive Airport, after construction bids came in higher than earlier estimates.

The contract with Bandes Construction Company would begin construction on a new terminal and fixed-base operator facility at the airport on North Hercules Avenue, which serves private and business aviation traffic across Pinellas County.

At the same meeting, council members will consider accepting an additional $2.4 million from the Florida Department of Transportation, raising the state’s contribution to $3.9 million and bringing the total grant program to $7.8 million. City documents attribute the increase to expected construction costs identified during the bidding process.

The funding structure requires a 50% local match. Under an agreement with FlyUSA, the airport’s private operator, the company will reimburse the city for that share, up to $3.9 million, and cover any overages tied to the grant-funded portion.

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FlyUSA PVT, a joint venture between FlyUSA and Paradise Ventures, manages the airport on behalf of the city under contract, with FlyUSA handling aviation operations and Paradise Ventures leading development.

“It’s something we’ve been working toward, so it’s exciting to finally get it going,” said Barry Shevlin, chief executive of FlyUSA, in an interview Monday night.

The project combines three components into a single build: a new terminal, a redesigned entrance and parking area and improvements to taxiways.

Clearwater Executive Airport primarily handles piston and turboprop aircraft, including flight training and regional trips across Florida and the Southeast. Larger jets typically operate out of Tampa International Airport.

Council approval would allow construction to begin as the city moves to expand capacity and update facilities at one of Pinellas County’s primary general aviation hubs.