Add Row

Add Element

ADVERTISE WITH US - Call (941) 312-1274

Add Element

Setup Your Button

REGISTER NOW

Add Element

August 13.2025

2 Minutes Read

A New Chapter for St. Pete-Clearwater Airport: Farewell to Director Tom Jewsbury

Travelers at St. Pete-Clearwater airport with digital signage.

Tom Jewsbury's Legacy at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

After an impressive tenure of over 30 years, Tom Jewsbury, the director of St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), has announced his retirement, effective October 1. His leadership has transformed PIE into one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, attracting millions of travelers annually while maintaining a stellar reputation for customer service.

Unprecedented Growth and Modernization

Since joining the airport in 1994, Jewsbury has overseen significant changes, particularly after being appointed director in 2015. Under his guidance, capital improvement projects worth more than $197 million were completed, focusing on terminal upgrades and airfield enhancements, which ensured that PIE was well-prepared for future growth.

Impact on the Community

Jewsbury's focus wasn’t just on the airport itself; he fostered robust partnerships with airlines, notably with Allegiant Air, expanding travel options for the Tampa Bay region. His efforts in securing over $131 million in grants significantly bolstered the airport’s development capabilities, enhancing its service offerings for both leisure and business travelers.

Looking Forward: New Leadership on the Horizon

As Jewsbury steps down, Mark Sprague, the current deputy director, has been appointed as the interim airport director. The transition occurs at a pivotal time as the airport continues its trajectory of expansion and improvement. It's a time for both reflection on successes and anticipation of future developments.

The Significance of Jewsbury’s Contributions

Jewsbury stated, “Serving as Director of PIE has been the honor of my professional life.” His impactful leadership not only changed the physical landscape of the airport but also enriched the experiences of countless travelers. His commitment to enhancing passenger experience while nurturing community relationships is commendable and will certainly leave a lasting legacy.

What's Next for PIE?

As the airport enters a new phase, residents and travelers alike are curious about the upcoming leadership changes and potential innovations. With the right guidance, PIE is well-positioned to continue providing exceptional service and expanding its reach, further enhancing its role in the Suncoast travel landscape.

As we acknowledge Jewsbury's contributions, let us also embrace the opportunities that lie ahead for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. The new chapter in PIE’s journey promises to be filled with exciting possibilities and continued growth.

Development & Infrastructure

8 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

10.01.2025

Clearwater's New Vision: Could a City-Owned Electric Utility Save You Money?

Update Clearwater Takes Bold Steps Toward Municipal Utility The City of Clearwater is moving forward with plans that could significantly change how residents receive their electricity. The City Council voted unanimously to greenlight the appraisal process for creating a city-owned electric utility, marking a significant step when the current contract with Duke Energy expires at the end of this year. Feasibility Study Sparks Discussion A feasibility study by NewGen Strategies and Solutions highlighted potential savings of approximately $17 monthly for each resident if Clearwater takes ownership of its electrical services. This proposal comes in the wake of growing concerns from residents about rising energy rates and dissatisfaction with their current provider. Resident Support and Concerns Before the City Council's decision, numerous residents expressed their desire for change, hoping for lower electricity bills and more control over local utility services. In contrast, employees from Duke Energy defended the company’s contributions to the community, especially after their response to recent hurricanes. One local resident emphasized, "We can get the same emergency response without the need for Duke Energy," demonstrating the mixed feelings within the community. Cost and Legal Considerations While the potential for savings is enticing, the transition is not without hurdles. Acquiring Duke Energy's assets could cost about $1.1 billion, and negotiating for ownership may require the city to resort to eminent domain, a complex legal process that could prove costly and controversial. Duke’s local leadership has stated they are not willing to sell their infrastructure, complicating the matter further. Long-Term Financial Implications Supporters of the municipal option argue it would lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in savings over generations. If successful, this could provide Clearwater significant financial autonomy. Council members have maintained that due diligence is paramount in ensuring a smooth transition, should the city decide to pursue this path. Next Steps and Community Engagement As Clearwater embarks on this appraisal, it is clear that this is not merely political maneuvering; it reflects a desire among residents for a utility that is both responsive and responsible. However, the mayor and council members have made it clear that this does not signify an end to discussions with Duke Energy. They are open to negotiations with the utility provider to further enhance service and affordability in the meantime. A Balancing Act: Community Voices As this situation unfolds, it presents a unique opportunity for community engagement. Local dialogues will be crucial in shaping how the city navigates this potentially transformational change. Balancing cost, service, and community sentiment will be a delicate task, but essential to ensuring Clearwater’s energy future aligns with residents' needs. The outcome of these plans could redefine Clearwater’s relationship with energy provision and serve as a bellwether for similar municipalities exploring their options.

09.29.2025

Discover How Seasafe Homes is Revolutionizing Hurricane Rebuilding Times on the Suncoast

Update The Innovative Solution to Post-Hurricane Rebuilding Rebuilding a home after a hurricane is often a daunting task, especially for residents in areas prone to severe storms such as Florida's Suncoast. For those who experienced the destruction of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the road to recovery feels long. However, innovative companies like Seasafe Homes are proving that rebuilding can be efficient and effective. By introducing a dual-site construction model, Seasafe Homes is cutting down on the time it takes to rebuild homes significantly, making it a beacon of hope for residents. How Seasafe Homes Redefines Construction Seasafe Homes, co-founded by Chad Lubke and Mike Zehnder, has devised a clever method to reduce construction time by over 75 percent compared to traditional practices. The dual-site process involves building the living sections of homes in a protected center in Georgia while simultaneously constructing foundations on-site in Florida. This method keeps homeowners out of limbo and ensures they can return to their lives more quickly after a storm. Resident Testimonials: Durability Meets Speed Residents like Maryalice and Patrick Walsh, who decided to rebuild after losing their ground-level home during Hurricane Helene, are excited by the new developments. With their dream home now under construction, they appreciate the quick turnaround time promised by Seasafe Homes. “We were astonished that we could go from torn ruins to a new home in just six months,” said Maryalice. Their optimism reflects a broader sentiment in the community, where rebuilding and resilience are key themes. The Broader Implications for Coastal Communities This approach not only ensures homes are built faster but also addresses the common concerns of structural integrity in hurricane-prone regions. As more coastal communities face increasing storm intensity due to climate changes, innovative methodologies in home construction become vital. The dual-site model could serve as a template for similar construction efforts elsewhere, promoting quicker recovery times and enhancing community resilience. Future Outlook for the Housing Market The success of Seasafe Homes is likely to inspire more construction companies to adopt similar methods. This can enable quicker recovery for families and could even influence insurance policies and the way developers approach building in flood-prone areas. As the construction buzz gains momentum in Pinellas County, the future looks brighter for those wanting to return to their coastal havens. With the influx of retired residents looking for homes along the Suncoast, the demand for efficient and safe rebuilding methodologies is booming. Seasafe Homes stands at the nexus of hope and innovation, showing that sometimes, from devastation can come resilience and new community foundations.

09.24.2025

How a $1.3 Million Grant is Transforming Bay Area Disaster Recovery Plans

Update Building Stronger Together: The Bay Area's Vision for Post-Disaster Recovery In the wake of a tumultuous hurricane season that left many wondering about the resilience of their communities, Tampa, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties have banded together to create a robust joint Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan. This initiative is made possible thanks to a significant $1.3 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Program. The funds are aimed at reinforcing infrastructure, expediting recovery, and elevating the entire region's resilience in the face of future disasters. Empowering Communities Through Input The heart of this redevelopment strategy lies in community involvement. Local residents have actively participated in workshops that have allowed them to voice their priorities, indicating where infrastructure needs strengthening or what economic redevelopment strategies resonate most with them. During a recent final meeting, Tampa Emergency Management Director John Antapasis emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "It’s one thing for us as public servants to come up with these strategies, but really getting the community input is what makes a solid plan." This sentiment underlines an essential truth: for recovery strategies to succeed, they must be rooted in the community's desires and needs. Looking Ahead: A Unified Approach to Future Challenges The four jurisdictions involved plan to continue conducting public meetings as they refine the master plan, with a target to finalize it by spring 2026. The upcoming meeting on October 8 is poised to serve as a platform not just for discussion, but for action, as residents will have another chance to provide feedback that shapes their city’s future. The opportunity for residents to influence their community's resilience is truly invaluable. Lessons Learned from Recent Storms Recent storms like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have starkly highlighted the need for coordinated recovery strategies that transcend city limits. As communities faced down Mother Nature's fury, it became clear that isolated efforts were insufficient. This plan marks a shift towards a more collective approach, ensuring each county can rely on its neighbors in times of need, fostering a culture of collaboration that ultimately enhances public safety. The Ripple Effect: Community Resilience Beyond Infrastructure This initiative is not just about rebuilding buildings; it’s about revitalizing communities. The emphasis on public engagement in shaping the recovery plan emphasizes a broader goal: enriching community ties and fostering social connections that can buoy resilience during tough times. By discussing economic redevelopment alongside housing, the plan aims to address the holistic needs of the community, ensuring that recovery is both comprehensive and inclusive. Conclusion: Participate in Shaping Your Community's Future The future of the Bay Area's recovery initiatives and infrastructure planning is in the hands of its residents. As the diverse communities come together, your voice matters in shaping a resilient future. Attend the upcoming meeting on October 8 to ensure your perspective is heard as part of this essential conversation.

ADVERTISE WITH US - Call (941) 312-1274

A New Chapter for St. Pete-Clearwater Airport: Farewell to Director Tom Jewsbury

Tom Jewsbury's Legacy at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

Unprecedented Growth and Modernization

Impact on the Community

Looking Forward: New Leadership on the Horizon

The Significance of Jewsbury’s Contributions

What's Next for PIE?

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title