Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has a new observation deck. See the changes
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s popular plane-spotting area debuted a new look this week with a shaded observation deck and a children’s playground.
The $2.3 million project, which was announced in March 2024, was built along an unpaved area on the west side of the big curve along 301 Boulevard East/15 Street East across from Lindbergh Court, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.
It was a joint venture between Manatee County, which owned the land, and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, the Herald previously reported. The 825-square-foot SRQ Observation Deck features a speaker system for plane watchers to hear air traffic communications.
There’s also a paved parking lot with 27 spaces, lighting, signage detailing Manatee County’s aviation history and an aviation-themed playground sponsored by Allegiant Air.
“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,” SRQ president and CEO Rick Piccolo previously told the Herald.
The county and airport authority began planning the project in 2021, the Herald previously reported. The area has long been a favorite place for plane watchers to park their cars and trucks. But the area was just a grass and dirt area off 301 Boulevard East next to SRQ’s fence line.
Airport leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning to unveil the new observation deck.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
