Flagler Airport Terminal Project Set to Take Off

With an unexpected boost in funding, all systems are go for the general aviation terminal project at the Flagler Executive Airport.

“The Florida Department of Transportation found more money and asked if we could get this back on the board,” Airport Director Roy Sieger told county commissioners.

Sieger said the project to replace the current 40-year-old terminal building with a new facility has been in the works since 2020. He said it was put on hold for other pressing projects such as T-hangars.

“The T-hangars are all done; the paving is done,” he said. “This is the final project we need to do at the airport to be a world-class executive airport.”

In addition to the additional FDOT funds, the county was approved through the state general fund for another $5 million for the terminal project.

“We have all the money we need to get started on this project,” Sieger said.

According to the staff report included in the meeting agenda, the airport is not only an economic engine for the county, but serves as the “gateway to Flagler County” and the communities it serves.

“This (general aviation) terminal facility is the next step in the evolution of transforming the airport into a premier location for businesses looking to locate at the airport and in its surrounding communities,” the staff report stated.

Flagler County resident and former candidate for Flagler County Commission Jane Gentile Youd said the terminal project is great, but suggested commissioners take the opportunity to make some changes at the airport.

“Now is the perfect time to get rid of all the flight schools and bring in fixed-base operators,” she said. “I don’t think the county can justify a terminal for flight schools who use small planes and contaminate our air with lead. We need to say ‘We want your business. We want your corporate jets.’”

The resolution was approved unanimously by commissioners.