The Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport will continue to grow, as the Board of County Commissioners for Hernando County approved a plan to make that a reality last week.
At the April 8 regular meeting of the BOCC, the board unanimously approved the lease of three parcels of land totaling six acres for American Aviation, Inc. to build three new 11,979-square-foot hangars on the airport campus. In a three-phased plan, American Aviation – a fixed-based operator – will build one hangar each over the next three years, starting this year. (A fixed-base operator is granted the ability to provide aeronautic services at the airport, such as fueling, hangaring, tiedown and parking.)
While two of the parcels are unoccupied, on the 2-acre piece of land meant for the middle hangar to be built in 2026, currently sits a hangar used by the Experimental Aircraft Association. That hangar is over 50 years old and would require significant repairs to get up to code based on the findings of a county appraisal.
As a result, the county had already decided not to renew its lease with EAA, which expires next year. The county intends to work with EAA to find a new location for its operation. Prior to being approached by American Aviation, the county intended to demolish the hangar and rent out the property. Now, American Aviation will handle the demolition at its own cost.
The EAA Chapter 1298 is a group of aviation enthusiasts running a nonprofit organization that promotes aviation throughout the community. We wish to extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support and partnership over the past 25 years,” said Bill Smith, secretary of EAA 1298, in a statement read in front of the BOCC. “It has been both an honor and a privilege to be a tenant at this remarkable airport, and we are proud to call Brooksville home.
“Since our building will be demolished next year for the expansion of the American Aviation facility, we sincerely hope to continue our legacy at the airfield for another 25 years and beyond.”
The feeling appeared mutual, as several commissioners expressed positive experiences in dealing with EAA in the past. “I think regardless of what happens today, you have my commitment to help find that and directing staff to find you guys a new home,” Board Chairman Brian Hawkins told Smith. “I appreciate all that you’ve given to the community and I hope that continues. But it sounds to me like you guys are anticipating this, preparing for it and are ready to move forward.”
The one catch for EAA is that they have enjoyed a lease well below market rate for the past 17 years. The county will no longer extend that benefit, citing fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers. That means EAA will need to cover an increase from $600 per month to $2,500.
“We are on a shoestring budget, but anything we can do together, we definitely appreciate,” Smith said. “We are open to meetings and suggestions at any time.”
Because it has had use of a hangar for all these years, EAA 1298 has tailored its program to that facility and will require another corporate hangar. Commissioner Jerry Campbell noted that the staff is working on ideas such as sharing an existing hangar with another vendor.
“Those are all things we’ll continue to work through, and as the chairman said, I’m committed to doing that. I think staff has made that commitment. So we’ll do everything we can,” Campbell said. “Now with everything going on in today’s world and our fiduciary responsibility, I think it is fair and reasonable to say, especially with all the conversation of DOGE, we’ve got to make sure that we’re doing the right thing by the taxpayers.”
Golf Carts on Pine Island Drive & Pine Island Park Repair Project
The BOCC also approved a resolution allowing the usage of golf carts on Pine Island Drive between Cyclone Drive and Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park. There will be signs stating a 25 MPH speed limit, “No carts beyond this point” and “Golf cart in street” as part of the resolution, which has been requested by Pine Island residents.
This resolution, which first came about in May 2024, was delayed since Hurricanes Helene and Milton prevented the completion of a golf cart study for Pine Island.
Coincidentally, the Hurricane Helene Repair Project at Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park could finally get underway by the end of the month. An agreement with TITAN Consultants and Engineers was approved by the BOCC to do the work for a cost of $340,150. The hope is to complete the project over the summer.
“I’m just frustrated, as is the community, with this. I’m frustrated for them more than anything. Hopefully, this will move a little faster,” Commissioner John Allocco said. “Maybe these types of projects need to have a bonus in the future to get them done faster.”
