SRQ Airport Readies for Storm Season

SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is preparing for this year’s storm season.

After suffering substantial damage during last year’s storms, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has invested in upgrades aimed at minimizing future impacts. “This is the Concourse B roof that was torn off from the hurricane,” said airport spokesperson Mark Stuckey, noting that it has now been replaced with a more durable material.

To bolster resilience against severe weather, the airport is focused on enhancing infrastructure to counteract flooding risks. “We are also doing some ditch work and canal strengthening, using rock and concrete,” stated Stuckey regarding a $500,000 project currently underway.

Moreover, the airport has integrated new technological solutions, including the installation of cameras and water detection systems in its electrical rooms. “It’ll notify us right away whenever there’s water intrusion into our electrical rooms, and we can shut things down,” explained Stuckey.

In addition, a new backup generator has been introduced to ensure operational continuity during storms. “This is a brand new generator that provides power to the terminal whenever we lose electricity,” he highlighted. It can operate on both diesel and natural gas, providing dual redundancy for enhanced reliability.

All these upgrades come at a significant financial investment. “The new roof on Concourse B cost a little over $2 million,” Stuckey mentioned, adding that ongoing ditch and canal work amounts to $500,000, while the new generator is part of a larger $100 million project focused on terminal enhancements.

Stuckey emphasized the importance of these investments in preparing the airport for the hurricane season. He also looks forward to launching a $1.8 million grant project for replacing the baggage claim roof and reinforcing terminal doors before the onset of storms.