New and improved public flight observation deck coming to SRQ airport. Take a look
Major improvements are planned for a popular plane-spotting area at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
The unpaved patch off the west side of a big curve on 301 Boulevard East/15th Street East, across from Lindbergh Court, is owned by Manatee County.
The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and Manatee County government are jointly planning a reimagined observation area there, designed by Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, including The Wing, an aluminum shade structure.
Visitors will be able to listen to air traffic communications from speakers in the 825-square-foot observation deck.
Displays and signage would provide information about the airport and its history. Seating will also be available in the observation area.
An aviation-themed playground for children is planned with sponsorship by Allegiant Air.
Improved observation area planned at SRQ
Also planned are landscape design, lighting and a paved parking area.
“We would look out there and see all the people behind the fence watching the planes and wondered how we could enhance it and make it a nicer experience,” said Rick Piccolo, the airport’s president and CEO.
In 2021, the Bradenton Herald first reported that the county and the airport authority were considering a project to improve the viewing area.
Since then, the plan has been refined, including ways to safely enter and exit the viewing area and the addition of guard rails, Piccolo said.
Safety measures include anti-ram barriers and enhanced access points for safer park access and departure.
There will be 17 paved parking spots, plus an overflow crushed shell area. All told, the area could accommodate about 25 vehicles.
$2.2 million airport observation project
The estimated $2.2 million cost would be split between Manatee County Government and the airport authority.
On the consent agenda for Thursday’s public meeting, Manatee County commissioners are scheduled to consider an amendment to the 2022 reimbursement agreement for the SRQ observation deck.
The airport authority is asking the county to increase the maximum contribution for economic development activities from $350,000 to $1.1 million.
Elliott Falcione, Manatee County’s tourism director, said the current viewing area has been a magnet for residents and visitors alike for plane spotting.
The planned enhancements will not only improve the plane spotting experience but also provide a base for the expansion of amenities around the airport, he said.
Stellar Development Inc. of Sarasota recently filed a building permit application for the project with Manatee County Development Services.
Other local governmental projects that Stellar has been involved with include Sutton Park, Manatee School for the Arts and Martin Luther King Jr. Park, all in Palmetto.
Increased passenger traffic at SRQ airport
Airport traffic has surged since plans for an observation deck were first reported in 2021.
In February, 430,348 passengers traveled through the airport, a 9% increase from 393,807 passengers in February 2023.
For the 12-month period through February, SRQ, amid a major expansion project, has served 4.3 million passengers.
Pending approval by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners, work on the observation deck could begin in April, Piccolo said. The observation deck could open by the end of 2024.
This story was originally published March 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
