Recent reports have noted that a new state grant would prevent St. Petersburg from redeveloping Albert Whitted Airport for at least 20 years. That is an annual occurrence.
The city accepted a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant in 2024 that also required the facility to remain an airport for 20 years. City council members unanimously approved accepting $134,800 Thursday from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help fund a $1.7 million project that will storm-harden an electrical vault, elevate upgraded equipment and add an emergency generator.
Mayor Ken Welch previously wanted to explore the 119-acre property’s economic impact and non-aviation uses. However, he has “never supported” a high-density development…