The shop – offering a mix of customizable hats, souvenirs, and gifts – sits between Spanx and the News Channel 8 store, near where passengers exit the TSA security screening checkpoint.

The star of Shells & Spurs is its hat bar. Travelers pick from one of several cowboy hats, choose two fun bands and add finishing touches. Within a few minutes, they'll be on their way with a customized souvenir to keep or a gift they can give to someone else.

It's the second business in an airport for owner Amy Billings, who first opened a store at Nashville International Airport (BNA) in 2023.

A Tennessee native, Billings grew up around the music business, and her husband is a longtime bass player for The Monkees. After trying their luck in the world of retail and opening a store at BNA, they fell in love with the airport environment.

"My goal is for everyone to leave this store happier than when they came in," Billings said.

This location, operated by Paradies Lagardère, also stocks Tampa and Florida-themed souvenirs, along with a large selection of children's items such as flamingo hoodies and tutus. Billings works to stock her store with products from women-owned and family-owned businesses.

"We're excited to welcome Shells & Spurs to America's Favorite Airport," TPA Director of Concessions Stacey Nance said. "Amy's shop brings a fun, one-of-a-kind experience that our travelers are going to love."

Shells & Spurs is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ten large airports were nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers of USA TODAY. TPA was recognized for its wide selection of nonstop destinations, excellent amenities and top-notch concessions.

TPA was also recognized as Best Airport for Art and Best Airport for Dining, with two of the airport’s restaurants earning their own 10Best honors. Cigar City Brewing was named one of the top 10 Airport Sit-Down Restaurants, while Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria was recognized in the Grab-and-Go Food category. These awards highlight TPA’s concessions program, which features a range of local favorites such as the Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Goody Goody and Café by Mise en Place.

For the second time, TPA was named Best Airport for Art, surpassing competitors including Nashville (BNA), Denver (DEN) and Salt Lake City (SLC). TPA’s public art program is widely regarded as a benchmark for airports nationwide, with notable works including HOME by Matthew Mazzotta, a 21-foot-tall flamingo affectionately known as Phoebe; Copper Birds by Roy Butler, located inside Airside A; Final Boarding Call by Christopher Still at Airside C; and n + 1 by Ralph Helmick, displayed at the SkyConnect station in the Main Terminal.

Visitors to TPA can also discover Palimpsest by Nick Cave in the Airport’s Rental Car Center, along with three new additions to the art collection near the new Red Express Curbsides: Starfish Family | Dancing Algae by Claudia Comte, Cloud Ascent by Jason Bruges and On Memory and Plants by Janaina Tschäpe.

The 10BEST Awards come on the heels of another major honor last month when Tampa International Airport was named #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Large Airports in the JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study^SM, a leading industry analytics report measuring traveler sentiment.

TPA received the highest score among large airports (10 to 32.9 million passengers per year) in the study of traveler satisfaction with North American Airports. This third award comes after TPA topped the rankings in 2022 and 2023, and came in second in both 2024 and 2025.

And as if all that weren’t enough, in August, Tampa International Airport was also named Best Family-Friendly Airport in America by WhereverFamily.com. The Wherever Awards are based on the results of an open-ended reader survey, with the winners announced in a fall edition of Global Traveler magazine.

Congratulations to the 10,000-plus TPA-based employees who work day in and day out to keep America’s Favorite Airport consistently among the top-rated airports in the world.

The campaign is designed to remind travelers that escalators can become hazardous when guests are distracted or overloaded. Bags can shift, strollers can become difficult to control, and a momentary loss of balance can lead to a fall or cause luggage to slide down the escalator and injure someone else.

“Our mantra is, if they’ve got wheels, you should probably be using the elevator instead of the escalator,” said Chris Reyes, Senior Manager of Risk and Insurance at Tampa International Airport. “We just want our guests to be safe.”

Reyes said the effort builds on a successful safety campaign from last year where Airport guests were warned not to take their pets on escalators which can lead to accidental falls for humans and injured paws for their furry friends.

The initiative is a multi-pronged effort that includes safety signage, overhead announcements and guest experience volunteers positioned near escalators to help direct travelers with luggage or strollers to elevators.

The campaign also includes a Public Service Announcement produced to alert everyone of the potential risks.

“The issue isn’t just your individual safety, it’s the safety of others,” Reyes said. “You may be able to get on and feel strong and confident, but if something happens and that luggage goes flying down the escalator, it can hurt someone else.”

The campaign also emphasizes that elevators are not only safer in these situations, but just as convenient.

“We want the general public to know it’s just as fast and safe to use the elevators as it is the escalators,” Reyes said.

Ultimately, the goal of Risk Awareness Week is to strengthen TPA’s culture of safety and ensure every guest reaches their destination securely.

This service will be the first time that an airline has offered flights throughout the entire year to the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Flights are scheduled to begin June 18, 2027. Breeze will operate the new route twice per week on Fridays and Mondays aboard an Airbus A220-300 aircraft. With the addition of SDQ, this will be Breeze's sixth international destination from America's Favorite Airport.

“What a thrill it has been to watch Breeze's rapid growth at TPA," TPA Director of Air Service Development Alex Heiter said. “By adding another international nonstop flight, the airline continues to increase its commitment to TPA and will soon offer Tampa Bay travelers another easy way to reach the Dominican Republic.”

“We continue to see great demand for our high-value, low-cost model in Tampa, and our continued growth there is an example of just that,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO. “This new travel option to Santo Domingo will give Tampa another option to come fly Breeze when they want to take that next trip.”

Of note, Santo Domingo will be the second Dominican Republic destination that Breeze has launched this year from Tampa International Airport. The airline began nonstop service to Punta Cana (PUJ) on July 2, 2026.

The new route's schedule:

Tickets to Santo Domingo are on sale now. Go to www.flybreeze.com to purchase tickets.

To celebrate this milestone, TPA served up custom cupcakes and gave away special luggage tags for travelers aboard the inaugural flight.

Flights from TPA to San Jose are currently offered twice each week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

"Adding nonstop service to Costa Rica is a milestone we've been working toward for years, and now it's finally a reality," said Alex Heiter, TPA Director of Air Service Development. “This route connects the Tampa Bay community to a popular vacation destination, strengthens our business ties with a vibrant trade partner, and gives our travelers an easy way to reach friends and family in Central America.”

This new route reflects strong ties between Tampa Bay and Costa Rica. Each day, about 134 people travel between TPA and the Central American nation. This new nonstop flight will make a lengthy journey into a much shorter trip.

San Jose is one of many international destinations that Breeze has (or will soon offer) at TPA.

Earlier this year, the airline launched nonstop flights from TPA to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Nassau, the Bahamas. Breeze plans to offer two more international routes by the end of 2026, with service to Cancun, Mexico, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, set to begin in December.

By the end of 2026, Breeze will provide travelers with nearly 40 total nonstop destinations from America's Favorite Airport.

To book your next trip to Costa Rica with Breeze, visit: https://www.flybreeze.com/home.

Tampa International Airport travelers will notice plenty of behind-the-scenes work on the Main Terminal’s first floor these days, as construction crews work to replace elements of the checked baggage system.

Construction walls are currently blocking some baggage carousels on the Red Bag Claim as workers install new catwalks and conveyor belts above the ceiling line. The equipment being replaced comprises the conveyor belt network that moves bags from ticket counters in the Main Terminal to the correct aircraft before a flight.

It’s part of a broader project to centralize security screening into the Main Terminal, consolidate the baggage transport infrastructure, and add Airside D to the system in time for the terminal’s scheduled opening in 2029. That’s the same year a modernization of the second-floor Ticketing Level, currently in the design phase, is scheduled to be complete.

“We’re taking the first step in upgrading our entire baggage system, which we need to accommodate the major growth we’re experiencing at TPA,” Airport Construction Director Dan Seeley said. “This new baggage conveyor system is going to provide added efficiency and functionality that will allow us to handle the necessary volume for the increase in passengers we are expecting.”

Along with installing roughly 25,000 feet of new conveyor belts and the catwalks, TPA will be replacing the checked baggage system with what is known as a cross-belt sorter, a relatively new technology in the United States.

This brand-new system will work with the conveyor belt system to provide the flexibility to deliver a bag from any ticket counter to any Airside terminal, a function the current system is unable to perform. It also will allow TPA to install a new system in the existing baggage processing space while the old one continues to operate.

The existing baggage system was certified in 2005 to comply with Homeland Security requirements, making it one of the first airports in the country to do so after the events of September 11, 2001. While some additions and upgrades have been implemented over the last decade, the majority of the baggage system is original to 2005.

Travelers can expect to see work on the system above a pair of baggage carousels at a time. Once a section of equipment is installed overhead, workers will replace the ceiling and signage (which was renovated in 2024) and move on to the next pair of carousels.

The baggage claim project will be completed in phases, with the first phase complete in order to serve the new Airside D in 2029.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved $298.6 million to upgrade the checked baggage system at its September 2025 meeting as part of the Airport’s capital budget.

Tampa International Airport will welcome its first-ever Dunkin' location, scheduled to open later in October. This new addition to TPA's Concessions offerings will be located on the south end of the Rental Car Center, near Remote Bag Check.

Dunkin' is known for its coffee and donuts, and the new TPA location will open with those fan favorites. Grab-and-go items, like sandwiches and salads, will also be available nearby at an extension of The Beach Market.

“We're thrilled to bring Dunkin' to Tampa International Airport,” TPA Director of Airport Concessions Stacey Nance said. “This is a high-demand national brand and exactly the kind of amenity our travelers have told us they're looking for at America's Favorite Airport.”

Whether picking up a rental car on arrival or dropping one off before a flight, TPA's travelers will soon have another convenient way to fuel up.

Tampa International Airport is putting the finishing touches on a new project designed for a (very) rainy day.

The Airport is wrapping up work that enables TPA to put up a temporary, 9-foot AquaFence system to protect two electrical vault buildings from flooding in case a hurricane threatens the region.

The pair of buildings, which sit next to Tampa Fire and Rescue’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting station near Airside A, house the equipment that powers the airfield lighting system.

Airfield lighting is vital to keeping aircraft moving, especially after dark, and will be necessary to assist the region with recovery efforts. It also would help prevent costly repairs that would likely result from water intrusion or inundation.

The two electrical vaults are susceptible to flooding that would potentially occur from storm surge during a Category 3 hurricane or higher. The barrier panels would be erected in the event of a storm threatening Tampa Bay and stored safely the rest of the time.

“Tampa International Airport has faced the threats of hurricane season time and again, and the installation of this AquaFence system is a forward-thinking resilience solution to protect some of our most critical assets from storm surge,” TPA Chief Development Officer Smitha Radhakrishnan said. “While we hope to avoid the need to deploy this barrier, TPA’s role as vital infrastructure to the Tampa Bay region underscores why we must prioritize our operational resilience from such extreme climatic events.”

The project includes foundations for the barrier; electrical and drainage improvements; fencing; and pumps to help keep water away from the buildings – even with the AquaFence keeping storm surge out, the pumps will divert heavy rainfall out of the protected area.

The 150 separate Clima Armour FloodWall panels that comprise the barrier system are made of steel, aluminum and laminated plywood, with UV-resistant and waterproof plastic membranes and gaskets that seal water out. They will snap together and be strapped to anchors in the concrete in advance of stormy weather.

The nine-foot barrier is the maximum height that manufacturer AquaFence makes.

“Flood protection should never be reactionary. True resilience comes from understanding your vulnerabilities and putting the right protections in place before a storm is on the horizon,” said Patrik Hansson, President of AquaFence. “Tampa International Airport is demonstrating that foresight by protecting critical infrastructure that keeps the airport running. After a major storm, restoring airport operations is vital to regional recovery. This investment adds another layer of protection to help TPA stay operational or quickly get back up and running when the community needs it most.”

The panels will stay in storage at TPA until needed, with a target to put them into place around the vaults by a contracted emergency response team at least 48 hours in advance of severe weather.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board selected construction company H.L. Pruitt Corp. as the contractor at its August 2025 meeting. The total cost of the work and materials is $1.9 million and is part of the Airport’s Capital Budget.

Click on an image below to enlarge or download it:

Tampa International Airport has been named #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Large Airports for the third time in the JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study^SM, a leading industry analytics report measuring traveler sentiment.

TPA received the highest score among large airports (10 to 32.9 million passengers per year) in the study of traveler satisfaction with North American Airports. This third award comes after TPA topped the rankings in 2022 and 2023, and came in second in both 2024 and 2025.

“Tampa International Airport is incredibly proud to receive our third JD Power award in just five years, an honor that reflects what our passengers experience every day when they travel through our world-class facilities," Airport CEO Michael Stephens said. "TPA has built a reputation for friendly, helpful service; clean, modern facilities; and spacious amenities that are convenient and accessible to all.”

Survey participants ranked TPA the top Airport in North America in three of the seven dimensions the study measured: Level of Trust with Airport; Departure/to Airport Experience; and Arrival/From Airport Experience. TPA also ranked highly in the other dimensions, which include Ease of Travel Through Airport (#2); Airport Staff (#2); Food, Beverage and Retail (#3); and Terminal Facilities (#2).

TPA serves more than 24 million passengers per year and is currently building a brand-new, state-of-the-art international and domestic terminal, Airside D. The 600,000-square-foot project will add 16 gates and provide a new U.S. Customs inspection facility at the Airport, plus a host of new food and beverage and retail options and two new lounge spaces when it opens to the public in 2029.

Airside D is the highlight of the third and final phase of TPA’s Master Plan construction program, which has expanded and improved Airport facilities since 2012. Among the additions in that time are a new rental car facility and SkyConnect train system, the award-winning Express Curbsides for faster passenger drop-off and pick-up, and the LEED Platinum-certified SkyCenter One commercial office building.

“Being recognized in the large airport category is a tremendous achievement, particularly during a time of ongoing construction and improvements, and the honor belongs to our entire TPA family," Stephens said. "This award is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our employees, airline partners, concessionaires, and countless others who work together every day to deliver an exceptional experience. 

"Most importantly, it reflects the pride we all share in representing the Tampa Bay community and our commitment to making TPA an airport that sets the standard for excellence.”

The JD Power announcement is the latest award in a string of accolades for TPA, which in recent years has been named Best Large Airport by USA Today and the #1 15-25 million Passenger Airport in North America by Airports Council International. 

For JD Power 2026 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

Tampa International Airport’s latest technology upgrade is just the ticket for quicker and easier movement into and out of all of TPA’s parking garages.

New ticket dispensers at all garage entrances and payment machines at garage exits are currently being installed at Short Term, Long Term and Economy. The updated touchscreen machines are state-of-the-art and are designed to make arriving and leaving a smooth and speedy experience.

The machinery is manufactured by Designa and on exit will now allow tap and pay and payment methods such as Apple Pay.

“This upgrade of the ticketing equipment in our parking garages is part of our continuous efforts to enhance our guest experience," TPA Vice President of Concessions & Commercial Parking Laurie Noyes said. "Our travelers will now be able to begin and end their trips with the latest technology, delivering more convenient and efficient access to and from our parking garages.”

Among the many improvements are modern license plate readers that will scan car tags on the way into and out of the garage.

If the traveler has pre-booked parking at TampaAirport.com/Park and provided their license plate at time of booking, the traveler will not have to scan the QR code when entering the garage as the system will read their license plate. When the driver comes back from their trip on time, they will be able to drive to the exit kiosk where the plate will be scanned again and open the exit arm automatically, without having to provide the QR code again.

The process will work similarly for a driver who leaves within the one-hour grace period for free parking at any garage. They will pull a ticket at the entrance, and if their stay is less than 60 minutes, the license plate scanner will tell the exit arm to raise without the driver having to provide the ticket.

Replacing all the machinery will take a few weeks while people who parked with tickets using the old equipment filter out of the garages. The entire replacement at all three garages, which involves swapping out 18 ticket dispensers and 18 payment machines, is scheduled to be completed in October. Employee parking areas will also receive new equipment with new and improved features.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board at its December 2025 meeting approved $6.2 million for construction and materials on the project as part of the capital budget. Installation work is being performed by Manhattan Construction Company LLC.

In addition to being able to obtain or sell foreign currency, travelers also can now purchase Florida Lottery tickets. Currency Exchange International also plans to add a 24/7 ATM and other business services in the coming weeks.

"We're excited to bring Currency Exchange International to TPA, especially since they offer an amenity our travelers have been asking for since our last provider closed in 2020," said Stacey Nance, Director of Airport Concessions. "This partnership allows us to offer a convenient, one-stop service for currency exchange and other travel essentials right in the heart of our Main Terminal."

The new location is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition to Best Large Airport, TPA is also nominated for Best Airport for Dining, with two of its restaurants, Café by Mise en Place and Cigar City Brewing, competing for Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant. Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria is also in the running for Best Airport Grab-and-Go Food. New this year, The Gasparilla Bar at TPA’s Airside F has been nominated for Best Airport Bar.

A panel of industry experts and editors at USA TODAY selected the nominees in each category.

Now it’s up to the public to decide which airport and restaurants are their favorites. Voting is open until Monday, Oct. 5 at noon, and fans of TPA can vote once a day in each category until polls close. The top 10 winners are scheduled to be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

For the past two years, TPA has ranked No. 1 Best Large Airport in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Last year, it also earned the No. 1 Best Airport for Dining title, with Airside C’s Bavaro’s, Cigar City Brewing, and Ulele, all Tampa Bay-area concepts, each ranking among the nation’s 10 best in the Airport Grab-and-Go Food or Airport Sit-Down Restaurant categories. This is the first year TPA has been nominated in the Best Airport Bar category.

Click below to vote for TPA and your favorite airport bar or restaurant in each category:

• Best Large Airport
• Best Airport for Art
• Best Airport for Dining
• Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant
• Best Airport Grab-and-Go Food
• Best Airport Bar

Tampa International Airport travelers headed to or from Airsides A and C will see that both the Red and Blue automated shuttles are back on track.

After extensive guideway renovation and technology testing, TPA’s signature people-movers officially opened to the public at the end of August. The Red shuttles were cleared for passengers a few months after the Blue shuttles were commissioned in the spring.

The brand-new Innovia APM 300 R shuttle cars – in Red and Blue mated pairs at each Airside like the last shuttles – are the third generation of automated transports to and from the Main Terminal since TPA opened in 1971. The cars are manufactured by Alstom in the same Pittsburgh-area production facility as the old shuttles.

While the ride will be familiar to TPA’s travelers, the new shuttles feature improved lighting, video information screens, and doors with obstacle-detection systems.

TPA is the first airport in the world to have these shuttles paired with Alstom’s new proprietary operating system, along with new electrical running gear and concrete guideways. The previous generation of shuttles was installed in the 1990s and ran for well over 1 million miles each.

Airside E is getting the same upgrades, with the Red shuttle cars now installed and the new Blue cars coming soon. Work there is scheduled to be completed later this year.

The guideway rehabilitation and shuttle car replacement for Airsides A and C, which includes design and running surfaces, plus eight cars with their controls and signaling systems, cost $61 million. The Airside E replacement project, with four more cars plus guideways and software system, costs an additional $30 million. The projects are funded with bonds and state grants.

New cars also have been ordered for the forthcoming Airside D. Airside F, which has the newest cars of all the Airsides, is due to get new shuttles in the future.

Click on a photo or the video below to download it:

Golden says while he's worked on multiple public facing projects within the airport environment, this was his first opportunity to work on a science museum exhibit.

“It was very rewarding and a lot of fun,” Golden said. “From collaborating with the museum and Sotereon, to working with our Communication team on refining and perfecting material for the audience, to seeing the interactive portion come to life, it has been such a great experience.” 

The exhibit also highlights the growing need for STEM talent across aviation and other industries, encouraging young visitors to imagine new possibilities and maybe even pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Golden said MOSI’s reach makes the exhibit especially meaningful, noting that the museum welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year. “That’s over 300,000 opportunities to inspire to innovate, think freely, and dare to venture into the unknown,” he said. “I hope this exhibit gives someone the courage to be different and try what hasn’t been tried before.” 

The new display was unveiled to the public this week at MOSI.

The updates, adopted at the August HCAA Board Meeting, apply to the Authority’s non-federal Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs.

A major milestone in this effort is the launch of in-house certification for the SBE and SBEC programs. Certification determines whether a business is eligible to participate, while the program itself creates a path to real Airport opportunities.

This change also establishes one small business certification standard across the Authority’s federal and non-federal programs.

Under the updated approach, SBE and SBEC certifications will use the same federal SBA business size standards based on NAICS codes, along with the same owner personal net worth limit of $2.047 million used in the DBE and ACDBE programs.

Businesses that are recertified as DBEs or ACDBEs by Florida Unified Certification Program certifying agencies will automatically qualify for SBE or SBEC certification.

For more information about the programs and how to become certified, visit HCAA’s Policies and Programs page on the TPA website or contact BusinessOpportunity@TampaAirport.com.

Tampa Bay business owners interested in business opportunities at Tampa International Airport have a couple of chances to learn more with a pair of information sessions next week.

TPA’s award-winning Concessions program will be holding a free public information session at St. Pete Athletic, 680 28^th St. S in St. Petersburg, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8. The event will be held in the South Wing Grove Lounge.

This free event will feature a presentation on the Airport’s upcoming Concessions Redevelopment Program, which will include information on when food and beverage or retail contracts will be open, and how businesses will be able to apply for a spot. No registration for this event is required.

Then on Thursday, September 10, TPA will host a public networking event designed to connect Concessions Primes and area banks with local and small businesses interested in future opportunities at TPA. Primes manage and operate a major block of food and retail offerings. 

This free event starts at 2 p.m. in TPA’s Main Terminal Event Space on the third floor between the shuttle stations for Airsides E and F. Interested businesses can register for that event here.

For more information on the Concessions team, go to TPAConcessions.com.

Tampa International Airport and its tenant partners are searching for qualified applicants to fill positions ahead of the busy holiday travel season at an Airport-wide Hiring Day event on September 23.

Seventeen employers, including aviation maintenance and repair company Airborne, parking services provider ABM and food-service company SSP America are among the partners accepting applications to fill positions at retail shops, restaurants, ground handling services and other businesses at TPA. These employers combined are searching for candidates for more than 260 open positions.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which operates TPA and Hillsborough County's three General Aviation airports, also will be looking to fill several jobs. The Authority is especially looking for Florida-certified law enforcement officers to join the Tampa International Airport Police Department. HCAA job openings may be viewed here.

Some companies will conduct on-site interviews and applicants may be hired on the spot, so job seekers should bring two forms of identification. Spanish and ASL assistance will be available.

TPA’s Airport-wide Hiring Day will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Main Terminal Event Space between the shuttle stations for Airsides E and F.

No RSVP is required to attend the event. Free parking will be available in the Economy Parking Garage and participants can take the SkyConnect train to the Main Terminal for the event.

Watch for updates at www.tampaairport.com/HiringDay

If you’re coming to Tampa International Airport in the next few weeks and are being dropped off at the Red Side of the Main Terminal, please be aware there’s going to be a short, temporary detour.

A pavement resurfacing project will affect the Red Departures drive to the Ticketing level beginning August 31 at 7 a.m. The project is similar to work done on the Blue Departures drive last summer.

Work crews will be removing and replacing the traffic coating on all four lanes of the drive as part of scheduled maintenance to ensure optimal facility quality and traffic flow. The closure is scheduled to last until mid-October.

Guests who are being dropped off for their flights at Red Side airlines will be directed to instead drive to and get out at the Red Express Curbsides to enter the Main Terminal.

Signage and Airport staff will direct travelers through the building to reach the Ticketing level on the second floor of the Main Terminal. Curbside bag check-in will be available at the Red Express Departures drive.

Travelers who are not checking bags and already have their boarding passes may head up the Red Express escalators or elevators to the third level to reach the shuttle to their Airside.

Red Side airlines include:

• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• Avelo Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• British Airways
• Discover Airlines
• Edelweiss Air
• Frontier
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• WestJet

Check here for a full list of which side each airline is on.

During its May 2026 meeting, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors approved a $1.2 million contract to Restocon Corp. to perform the work for the Red Departures rehabilitation project. 

After conducting a full evaluation of the Transportation Security Administration’s private screening partnership program, TSA Gold+, Tampa International Airport has elected to continue its checkpoint screening operations with its existing federal TSA officers.

Earlier this year, the TSA approached TPA officials with the concept of TSA Gold+, a program that gives TSA oversight of a private company and workforce to conduct screening operations, rather than federal TSA officers. The Airport opted in to evaluate the TSA Gold+ program with the goal of preventing disruptions from future government shutdowns, improving access to the latest screening technology, and enhancing the passenger experience.

Opting in allowed TPA officials to learn about program details and provisions, including security, workforce, technology, financial, and legal considerations, before moving forward.

The Airport conducted an extensive review and evaluation over several months, which resulted in its decision to keep screening operations exclusively with the TSA, and not adopt the Gold+ model.

“We approached Gold+ carefully and deliberately, with a focus on our passengers, employees, airline partners, and long-term operational excellence,” TPA CEO Michael Stephens said. “We are thankful to the TSA for bringing us the opportunity to learn more about a program with the potential to enhance operational resiliency and innovation, and to reach an informed decision.” 

“We have worked closely with our TSA team through record passenger growth, severe weather, federal funding disruptions, and peak travel periods. We value their professionalism and commitment to security and service, and look forward to continuing our strong partnership,” Stephens said.

Travelers awaiting an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to complete their enrollment for the Global Entry program will have a chance to schedule a slot at a special five-day event at Tampa International Airport this month.

This is the first CBP mass-enrollment event at TPA this year and will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, in TPA’s Main Terminal Event Space on Level 3 between the shuttles for Airsides E and F.

Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved may schedule the interview portion of the process to complete their enrollment in the program. Applicants may select “Tampa International Event Space” as their interview location.

This event is also open to those who have “pending” Global Entry status or walk-ups who need help with their application. CBP officers will assist when they have availability to do so.

Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler programs, which provide modified screening and expedited clearance for approved members.

Those travelers may skip Customs lines when returning to the U.S. from abroad, using automated kiosks at eligible airports to complete their arrival procedure. Approved Global Entry travelers also are enrolled in the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. Enrollment in Global Entry must be renewed after five years.

To apply for Global Entry, travelers should go to CBP's website: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

Applicants must first undergo a rigorous background check, then must complete an in-person interview. Scheduling these interviews can often take weeks or even months, as the number of enrollment center locations offering interview times is limited.

After the application is complete and travelers have paid the fee, they will receive an email telling them they are conditionally approved and be directed to make an appointment with a Global Entry office. Those who have already scheduled a future interview date may reschedule the interview to the five-day event if they prefer to speed up the process.

CBP officers will be in place to conduct interviews during the enrollment event, with the officers working to accommodate multiple interviews every 10 minutes. That means approximately 1,200 potential interview slots are available during the five-day TPA event.

Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants who miss this opportunity may still take advantage of CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival interview process. Applicants may complete their required interviews upon their return from international travel at participating airports.

For more information about this event, please contact CBP by using this email: TampaTTPinformation@cbp.dhs.gov. 

[Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

Phoebe's 4th “Bird-thday” bash: Travelers flying in or out on the big day can catch Phoebe's birthday celebration in person from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Featuring a flamingo stilt walker, a steel drum player, and a custom birthday cake, this day-of celebration is a little something extra for passengers already making their way through the TPA that day.

A few other happenings are also planned on August 25:

• The Shoppes at Bayshore: From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., this location will feature local-artist face painting and flamingo-shaped balloon art.
• Dylan's Candy Bar: Travelers can enjoy a complimentary pink flamingo gummy sample and limited-edition sticker, while supplies last.
• Mindworks: Passengers who purchase an Asobu Bestie Bottle can enjoy free custom name etching, while supplies last.
• P.F. Chang's: Hungry for something pink? P.F. Chang's will offer complimentary pink macarons and mini pink cupcakes, while supplies last. And, they'll also offer custom face painting!

The celebration doesn't stop there. Phoebe's birthday month kicked off August 1 and runs all the way through August 31, with special happenings taking place throughout TPA. From custom punch at several restaurants to flamingo straws at Qdoba to cake pops at TPA's Café con Leche and Buddy Brew locations, be sure to be on the lookout for special pink items if you stop by participating Airport shops and restaurants during this month.

Since her arrival, Phoebe has become one of the most recognizable and photographed spots at TPA. She's also more recently known for her antics on TPA's social media accounts. This year, her birthday celebration is a chance for the Tampa Bay community — travelers, employees, and locals alike — to celebrate right along with her.

Tampa International Airport announced Thursday that the secure identity company, CLEAR, is expected to launch at its security screening checkpoints this fall.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved a contract at today’s board meeting to bring CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to each of TPA’s four Airside terminals for the first time.

CLEAR+ Members will be able to enter dedicated CLEAR+ lanes and move through an eGate — an automated gate that verifies identity in under five seconds by matching a traveler's face to their ID and boarding pass – before they move directly to physical screening.

Bringing CLEAR+ to Tampa International Airport will enable travelers to move on to screening faster, improving the security screening checkpoint process and improving the overall airport experience.

CLEAR's expedited identity verification experience provides a faster and more predictable checkpoint journey to TPA's travelers, and the partnership will further enhance TPA's reputation for innovation and customer service.

"Tampa International Airport is proud to welcome CLEAR to our security screening checkpoints, expanding the range of innovative services available to our travelers,” Airport CEO Michael Stephens said. “This is a convenience that many of our passengers have long requested, and we're excited to partner with CLEAR to provide a faster, more seamless airport experience. By giving travelers another efficient way to move through security, we're continuing our commitment to delivering the exceptional customer service and convenience that have become hallmarks of America's Favorite Airport."

With over 43 million members and operations at 62 CLEAR+ airports, CLEAR's secure identity platform is helping strengthen security and create frictionless checkpoint experiences.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tampa International Airport to bring CLEAR’s trusted, seamless identity verification experience to travelers in one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” Kyle McLaughlin, EVP, Aviation, CLEAR said. “By bringing CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to TPA, we can work together with the airport to deliver a faster, more predictable airport experience while building on TPA’s strong reputation for innovation and customer service.”

For more information on CLEAR, visit www.clearme.com.

This week, TPA presented a record 238 unclaimed suitcases, backpacks and other items that were never picked up from the Airport’s Lost and Found Department to Hillsborough County Children’s Services and its Duffels of Dignity program.

The donation marks the second consecutive year that Tampa International Airport has contributed to the program, which provides new or gently used bags and luggage to children entering foster care, living in emergency shelters or fleeing domestic violence. The program helps replace trash bags often used to carry personal belongings, offering children a more dignified and supportive start during difficult transitions.

“Every year, hundreds of bags are turned into our Lost and Found Department and, unfortunately, are never claimed," TPA Senior Manager of Guest Experience Shannon Boos said. "Instead of simply disposing of those bags, we wanted to make sure they went to good use.”

Boos said the team in Lost and Found diligently works to locate the owner of any lost items, looking for names, contact information or any other clues associated with the property. When an owner cannot be located and no one comes forward to claim the items over a certain time period, the lost property is donated to local charities to make room for the constant flow of new items left behind at the Airport.

“For children entering foster care, a duffel bag may seem like a small thing, but it can make a tremendous difference,” Boos said. “It gives them a safe, dignified way to carry their personal belongings during what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Last year, Tampa International Airport donated 119 bags to children in the community, and this year’s donation of 238 bags doubles that total.

Since launching in October 2022, the Duffels of Dignity program has collected more than 2,000 bags for children in need through individual donations and partnerships with various local organizations.

Just a couple of months after Airside D’s structural steel started going up, crews are working around the clock creating some truly concrete results across the worksite.

Concrete platforms inside the steel framework have begun appearing on all levels of the building. The concrete is placed onto metal decking that has been reinforced with steel rebar on each floor.

The structural steel has now moved onto the sixth of 19 separate assembly sequences. A second crane was brought onsite in mid-July to help move the more than 7,300 steel members that will comprise the new Airside terminal.

Meanwhile, more workers have completed the building’s foundation and have been placing concrete for the rest of Airside D’s ground floor and the apron for aircraft across the worksite. Much of that work has been done overnight to mitigate risk and take advantage of cooler temperatures, which allow for better quality control for the concrete.

The existing apron is being demolished panel by panel and crushed onsite to be recycled into the properly sized aggregate (think different sizes of gravel) as that is used as six inches of underlayment for the new concrete.

The ground floor slab-on-grade of Airside D is eight inches of concrete placed over this recycled aggregate while the apron concrete, which needs to withstand the pressure from aircraft that can weigh several hundred tons, is 18 inches thick. When the project is completed, workers will end up placing almost 85,000 cubic yards of concrete for the apron alone.

The dry weather earlier this summer has kept all the work on schedule, with no major disruptions so far.

Other parts of the project that have reached milestones lately:

• The final steel and concrete guideway beams for the future Airside shuttles have been placed across the support piers to the steel supports for the shuttle station. Workers are now creating running surfaces for the shuttles and infrastructure for the baggage delivery system.
   
• Water and sewage pipes are being buried across the worksite with plans for connecting to city water later this year.
   
• Elevators and escalators are being fabricated for eventual installation across the building.
   
• A slightly new route for Bessie Coleman Boulevard is being cleared to connect the road with the future Airside D truck court underneath the shuttle guideway.
   
• Precast concrete panels to sheath the outside of the building are scheduled to be installed in September.

TPA broke ground on Airside D in December 2024, with the building scheduled to be open to the public in 2029. The design-build team for the project is led by construction company Hensel Phelps, with architecture and engineering company HNTB Corporation, in association with Gensler.

To sign up for TPA’s Airside D monthly newsletter and get more information about future business opportunities, click here.

Click on an image below to enlarge and download it:

The announcement was made on July 27, also known as 727 Day in celebration of the Pinellas County area code.

The premium bus service will provide a direct connection between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport, giving passengers, airport employees and residents a faster, more convenient and more affordable way to travel across the bay. The route will operate seven days a week, include luggage racks, and will be the first public transit route to use the new Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes to help improve reliability and reduce stress for riders.

“This is more than a new route. It’s a transformational investment in how our region moves,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “For the first time, residents and visitors will have a direct, premium transit connection from the heart of downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport. Whether you’re catching a flight, heading to work or visiting our community, the 727 Airport Express will make traveling across the bay easier, faster and more convenient than ever before.”

The new service will include nine stops in downtown St. Petersburg, including connections to SunRunner stops and the Pinellas County Beaches, and will run every 75 minutes. For airport travelers, that means a simple, dependable option with room for luggage and fewer concerns about driving, parking or navigating unfamiliar roads. One-way fares will be $2.25.

“We applaud PSTA for thinking regionally and creating new ways to improve connectivity in the Tampa Bay area,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “This new express service will offer a convenient, reliable, and sustainable link across the bridge for our 25 million annual passengers and nearly 11,000 employees, strengthening mobility and growth for both Tampa and St. Pete.”

“This is a very significant occasion, because this is the beginning of real transit across Tampa Bay,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, who is also a member of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board. “Michael said it best — we connect everywhere in the world, but we haven’t connected enough in our own backyard,” said Cohen. “Now we are putting our region together.”

The 727 Airport Express is expected to launch in October.

This year’s experience came with an added dose of realism when a delay in cleaning the plane caused an unexpected boarding hold-up, giving families a chance to navigate one of travel’s most common frustrations in a guided, low-stress environment.

One of the Southwest pilots on the incoming flight had a personal connection to the program, sharing that he has a child with autism. He greeted each family as they came aboard, adding a warm and meaningful touch to the day.

Organizers say the event registration filled up in less than an hour, reflecting strong community interest and the growing value of the program for families who want to become more comfortable with flying. After another successful year, planners are already looking ahead to next year’s Wings for Autism event at TPA.

For more information on the The Arc of Tampa Bay and Wings for Autism, click here.

“TPA Presents: The Story of Aviation in Tampa Bay” lands Friday, July 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Main Terminal Event Space on Level 3, offering guests a rare look at the people, planes, and pivotal moments that helped turn Tampa Bay into one of the birthplaces of commercial aviation.

The free public event will showcase an expanded collection of archival treasures, including original artist concept drawings of Tampa International Airport’s iconic Main Terminal, vintage photographs, and archival film footage from the airport’s earliest days. This year’s exhibition also broadens its focus beyond TPA to spotlight the history of Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa Executive Airport, and Plant City Airport, three facilities that played major roles in shaping regional aviation.

Visitors can expect a mix of nostalgia and discovery, with exhibits tracing everything from early airfields and pioneering pilots to the evolution of modern air travel in Tampa Bay.

One of the afternoon’s featured events will be a screening of the new documentary “America 250: A Portrait of Florida” beginning at 4:30 p.m. The film explores Florida’s contributions to American history, including Tampa Bay’s claim as the birthplace of commercial airline service thanks to the famous Tony Jannus flight across Tampa Bay in 1914.

Following the screening, attendees can hear from a panel of local aviation experts and historians discussing the lasting impact of that first commercial flight and the future of aviation in the region. Panelists include TPA Communications Manager and unofficial airport historian Beau Zimmer, Tony Jannus expert and retired St. Petersburg History Museum Executive Director Will Michaels, and Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago Corrada.

The event is also part of the City of Tampa’s annual Archives Awareness Week, a citywide celebration of local history timed to coincide with Tampa’s birthday on July 15. Tampa International Airport joined the initiative for the first time last year, and this year’s expanded aviation program is one of several history-focused events taking place across the region throughout the week.

Archives Awareness Week activities include cigar-making history presentations at J.C. Newman Cigar Company, preservation workshops at Tampa’s Black History Museum, research sessions at USF Libraries Special Collections, genealogy programs at the John F. Germany Library, and history talks at the Tampa Bay History Center. Click here to view the city's full schedule of events.

Last year’s inaugural archives event at TPA focused primarily on the airport’s own historical collection, but organizers say this year’s expanded exhibition paints a fuller picture of the entire Hillsborough County Aviation Authority system and the airports that helped connect Tampa Bay to the world long before modern jet travel.

The event is free and open to the public. Guests who park in the Economy Parking Garage can receive parking validation and ride the SkyConnect Train to the Main Terminal. From there, the exhibition space is located on Level 3 near the entrance to the Airside E shuttle lobby.

For aviation enthusiasts, local history lovers, or anyone who has ever looked out an airplane window and wondered how it all began, this event promises a fascinating trip through Tampa Bay’s skies with no boarding pass required.

Clymer was selected from among nominees representing law enforcement agencies across Florida. The award recognizes exceptional civilian employees who make significant contributions to their departments and communities.

As Senior Manager of Public Safety and Security Administration, Clymer oversees critical operational and administrative functions for the Airport Police Department, including management of the department’s $22 million budget. Her financial expertise and organizational skills have earned praise not only within the department but across the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.

During the past year, Clymer led several major initiatives that modernized and streamlined police department operations. Among her most impactful projects was the complete overhaul of the department’s reporting system, which included more than 100 paper forms. Working alongside the Training Department, she helped create a committee to review, update, and digitize forms into fillable PDFs, significantly improving accessibility and efficiency for officers.

She also oversaw implementation of a new computerized barcode-based Property and Evidence system within the department’s records management department, creating greater accountability and improving evidence tracking procedures. In addition, she coordinated the lawful destruction and purging of more than 1,500 evidence items that no longer had evidentiary value.

Clymer’s work extends far beyond administrative duties. She coordinates the department’s quarterly Coffee With a Cop events, supports the Tampa International Airport Citizen Police Academy, participates in oral board interviews, and has played a key role in improving employee morale through team-building events and celebrations throughout the year.

Knowing a deeper understanding of law enforcement culture would strengthen her effectiveness, Clymer also pursued accreditation training through the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement and became a certified assessor. Her work during a recent accreditation review earned her a Letter of Commendation from the Highland Beach Police Department for her “thoroughness” and “objective approach.”

Tampa International Airport Police Chief Charlie Vazquez praised Clymer’s commitment and impact on the department.

“Sara has proven herself to be a valued member of the Tampa International Airport Police Department,” Vazquez said. “Never one to rest on her laurels, she continues to improve her knowledge, skills and abilities which, in turn, improves the service our officers can provide to the community.”

Clymer said she was stunned when she learned she had received the statewide honor.

“When I think about being up against some of the top large agencies in Florida, I was pretty floored and surprised that I was chosen as Civilian Employee of the Year.”

A former retail leadership executive with Target for 16 years, Clymer joined Tampa International Airport in October 2022, bringing experience in leadership, budgeting, and strategic planning. She said transitioning into public safety administration has been one of the best decisions of her career.

“I really enjoy problem-solving,” Clymer said. “I love being given opportunities to think strategically about how we can make things more efficient and better support the department. I also really enjoy developing teams and helping build a stronger administrative group that supports our officers, traffic specialists, and public safety operations.”

She added that supporting the men and women of the Airport Police Department gives her a strong sense of purpose.

“I feel extremely privileged to support the officers,” Clymer said. “I find so much fulfillment in helping others, and what better way to do that than with a law enforcement agency at Tampa International Airport.”

The Florida Police Chiefs Association represents more than 1,000 law enforcement executives and security professionals statewide and serves as one of the leading professional organizations for law enforcement leadership in Florida.

With another hurricane season well underway, Tampa International Airport has started a new project to help protect its facilities from potential flooding in future storms.

Construction crews this week are starting work to enable TPA to erect a temporary nine-foot flood barrier around the Airport’s two airfield electrical vaults in the event of a hurricane. These two buildings, which are next to Tampa Fire and Rescue’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting station near Airside A, house the machinery that powers lighting across the airfield.

Protecting these electrical vaults from flooding is important to helping restart Airport operations following a major storm. Airfield lighting is vital to keeping aircraft moving, especially after dark, and will be necessary to assist the region with recovery efforts. It also would help prevent costly repairs that would likely result from water intrusion or inundation.

When work is completed, TPA will have the ability to put up the barrier (as shown in the rendering at right) to keep storm surge out of the vaults, which are susceptible to the flooding associated with hurricanes that would be Category 3 or higher. The nine-foot barrier is the maximum height that manufacturer AquaFence makes, and would protect the buildings up to a Category 4 storm.

The project includes foundations for the barrier; electrical and drainage improvements; fencing; and pumps to help keep the storm surge away from the buildings.

The barriers will stay in storage at TPA until needed, and can be put into place around the vaults by a contracted emergency response team in about eight to 12 hours

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board selected construction company H.L. Pruitt Corp. as the contractor at its August 2025 meeting. The total cost of the work and materials is $1.9 million and is part of the Airport’s Capital Budget. The project is scheduled to be completed in August.

New service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Atlantic City (ACY) both took off July 1, followed by Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (PUJ) on July 2, and Columbus, Ohio (CMH), on July 3. If you're thinking about your next getaway, here are a few fun things to do in each destination. 

Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Sun(rises) and fun are just a short hop away. Fort Lauderdale's famous Las Olas Boulevard offers waterfront dining and boutique shopping, while the city's extensive canal system has earned it the nickname "Venice of America." Travelers can hop on a water taxi to explore the coastline or spend the day at one of the area's pristine beaches. Skip the drive and fly the next time you head across the state. 

Atlantic City, N.J. (ACY): Known for its iconic Boardwalk, Atlantic City blends beachside relaxation with big-city entertainment. Visitors can try their luck at the casinos, catch a concert, or stroll the four-mile Boardwalk lined with shops and amusement piers. It's also a convenient gateway to the Jersey Shore and a short drive from Philadelphia and Atlantic County's charming coastal towns.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ): This Caribbean hotspot is known for its powder-white beaches and turquoise waters along the coconut coast. Travelers can relax at an all-inclusive resort, snorkel over vibrant reefs, or head inland to explore rainforests and waterfalls. The area is also a popular spot for golf, with several championship courses designed around its scenic coastline. Punta Cana is one of five international destinations Breeze plans to serve from TPA by the end of 2026, so dust off your passport and begin vacation planning now. 

Columbus, Ohio (CMH): Ohio's capital city offers a lively mix of culture, food and outdoor spaces. The Short North Arts District is packed with galleries, murals and locally owned restaurants, while the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Scioto Mile riverfront park offer something for every traveler. It's also home to The Ohio State University, making it a great pick for college sports fans and gameday travelers.

These four new routes mark continued growth for Breeze Airways at TPA, which will offer nearly 40 nonstop destinations from Tampa Bay by the end of the year. 

To book your next trip with Breeze, visit: https://www.flybreeze.com/home.

America is celebrating its 250^th birthday on July 4, and Tampa International Airport has planned lots of events this summer to help make it a party for all of TPA’s travelers.

Ahead of daily live musical performances from Friday through Monday during July 4 weekend, the Airport’s Main Terminal is all dressed up, with special America 250 banners and a commemorative photo backdrop now on the third floor. 

Friends, family and passengers heading to Airside shuttles can use the backdrop to take a quick snap and are encouraged to share them on social media! Also, be sure to stop by our Information Desk near the backdrop and ask for an America 250 sticker, available for limited time starting July 4 weekend.

Celebrations abound throughout TPA for the entire month. Among the special events:

For the entire month of July, the Shoppes at Bayshore on the Main Terminal’s third floor will host an interactive map of America activity and red, white and blue cookies. On July 15, they will have a local cookie sampling and TeBella Tea as a nod to the Boston Tea Party.

The News Channel 8 shop in Airside C will be offering free flags and photo ops on July 1.

Also in Airside C, PDQ is selling All-American milkshakes – creamy vanilla with red, white and blue sprinkles and a cherry on top – for the special price of $2.50 on July 4, 5 and 6.

On July 3, the Hard Rock Café in the Main Terminal will get a visit from brewer Sam Adams, with free beer samples and more.

The Main Terminal Event Space, between the shuttles for Airsides E and F on the third floor, will be the site of the Ron Jon Great American Sidewalk Sale. Stop by and shop for a deal July 10, 11 and 12.

P.F. Chang’s is the place to be on July 15, when the restaurant hosts a National Hot Dog Day party with free hot dogs, one of the most American of all foods.

And on July 17, head back to the Main Terminal Event Space between 3 and 6 p.m. for a special exhibition exploring Tampa Bay’s rich aviation heritage as part of the City of Tampa’s Archives Awareness Week. TPA Presents: The Story of Aviation in Tampa Bay explores the past through archival materials, historic photographs, and original concept drawings of the Airport.

This year’s exhibit also highlights Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City airports, honoring the people and innovations that shaped our region’s aviation story.

The event will feature a special screening of the new documentary America 250: A Portrait of Florida, celebrating Tampa Bay’s role as the birthplace of commercial aviation.

Finally, there will be further live musical performances the whole month, with programming for the Main Terminal running until August 3.

Be sure to follow us on your favorite social media platform at @flyTPA for more!

Service to Dallas/McKinney is scheduled to begin November 19, followed by flights to Charlotte/Concord launching November 20. 

The McKinney route brings Tampa residents closer to the heart of North Texas, an important economic region. McKinney National Airport is conveniently located near Dallas and its northern suburbs, making it an ideal gateway for leisure and business travelers alike. Upon arrival, passengers can quickly reach major corporate centers and entertainment destinations across the Metroplex.

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is just minutes from Charlotte Motor Speedway and the vibrant Charlotte metropolitan area, a hub for banking, motorsports and southern charm. From there, travelers will find easy access to professional sports, world-class dining and the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, all within a short drive of the airport.

These new routes are part of Avelo’s continued growth at TPA, offering affordable and convenient travel options to some of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Known for its low fares, Avelo is a favorite among budget-conscious travelers.

Avelo Airlines first began flying at Tampa International Airport in late 2021. Since then, the airline has grown and currently serves three destinations at TPA: New Haven, CT; Wilmington, DE; and Wilmington, N.C.

Avelo’s expansion at TPA underscores its commitment to connecting smaller, more accessible airports with major metropolitan areas, reducing travel time and airport congestion for passengers. For Tampa Bay travelers, these flights mean more nonstop options and more flexibility to explore two thriving regions without layovers.

To book your next trip with Avelo, please click here: https://www.aveloair.com/

The decision follows an overwhelming response to the 2025 event, which saw dozens of families arrive at TPA for a day of learning, discovery, and confidence-building. Parents described the experience as “life-changing,” noting that the opportunity to practice in a calm, judgment-free space made real air travel feel possible for their children. 

Event organizer Brian Siracusa of The Arc Tampa Bay says the continued enthusiasm shows just how valuable the program has become. 

“We’re thrilled to see so many families eager to participate,” Siracusa said. “Our goal this year is to give new participants the same supportive and empowering experience that so many enjoyed last time.”

For families like the Girouds and the Hinsons, who took part in the inaugural Tampa event, the program offered more than just a day at the airport. They say it opened the door to future adventures involving air travel. Parents said the practice run helped their children feel more comfortable with airport sounds, crowds, and routines, while also giving TSA employees and airline crews valuable insight into how to better assist travelers with autism or other developmental disabilities. 

This year’s event will once again bring together Tampa International Airport, Southwest Airlines, and The Arc Tampa Bay for the community partnership focused on inclusion, awareness, and opportunity. 

Families interested in participating are encouraged to mark their calendars and register promptly when enrollment opens on June 24 at 10 a.m. Once all available seats are filled, additional registrants will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if space becomes available. 

For more information or to sign up for registration reminders, visit The Arc Tampa Bay’s Wings for Autism page.

Wander the Royal Botanical Gardens’ winter trails and greenhouses: Even in winter, the Royal Botanical Gardens are alive with color. Warm up inside the beautiful Mediterranean and cactus greenhouses where tropical plants thrive year-round or, in early spring, enjoy the outdoor gardens as they begin to awaken with the first signs of tulips and magnolias. It’s a peaceful, nature-filled retreat – an ideal first stop after your flight from TPA.

Chase flowing (and frozen) waterfalls: Hamilton earns its nickname as the “City of Waterfalls,” boasting more than 100 cascades within its limits. In winter, many freeze into stunning natural sculptures, and by spring, they roar back to life with melting snow. Webster’s Falls and Albion Falls are two of the most photogenic and both are easy to reach via car in any season. Bundle up, bring your camera, and enjoy a uniquely Canadian outdoor experience just a short drive from downtown.

Explore downtown Hamilton and James Street North: When it’s chilly outside, Hamilton’s arts and food scene offers the perfect indoor adventure. Browse cozy cafes, enjoy art galleries, and discover local boutiques along the lively James Street North corridor. In spring, the area buzzes with art crawls, live music, and street festivals that showcase Hamilton’s creative spirit.

Take a day trip to Niagara Falls or Toronto: One of Hamilton’s biggest advantages is its location — roughly an hour's drive to both Toronto and the world-famous Niagara Falls. In winter, Niagara Falls can be mesmerizing, often framed by ice and mist, while spring brings rainbows and renewed energy. Toronto, meanwhile, offers endless museums, shopping, and dining, plus lake views that mirror Hamilton’s own harbor front. With Hamilton as your base, you can easily experience the best of southern Ontario. 

Whether you’re exploring icy waterfalls, strolling through greenhouses, or staying there as a base for a quick trip to Toronto or Niagara Falls, Hamilton shines in winter and spring. 

Porter will operate flights from TPA to YHM aboard its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which offers 132 economy seats in a two-by-two configuration, meaning no middle seats. Flights include free WiFi and free beer and wine, along with premium snacks and food options.

Thanks to Porter’s convenient new flights from Tampa to Hamilton, your next Canadian getaway is just a short, stylish flight away. Book your next flight today: https://www.flyporter.com/en-us/

These sessions are designed to engage with community members, local entrepreneurs and business owners interested in learning more about what’s happening at TPA, including future Concessions opportunities tied to the upcoming Airside D and beyond.

Each event will provide an overview of TPA’s Concessions Redevelopment Program, highlight how these future developments support the region’s economic growth, and provide insight into upcoming business opportunities for retailers, restaurants, service providers, and others eager to be part of TPA’s next chapter.

The first community Concessions Redevelopment Information Session will be held Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the Town 'N Country Regional Library in Tampa.

The second session will take place Thursday, July 9, at 4 p.m. at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library in Ybor City.

There is no cost to attend or registration necessary. Additional sessions will be announced in the coming weeks and posted on the TPA Concessions website.

“Tampa International Airport’s Concessions program is built on strong partnerships with local and national businesses,” said Laurie Noyes, TPA’s Vice President of Concessions and Commercial Parking. “We’re excited to bring these conversations directly into the community and share what’s ahead.”

Each session will include a short presentation, followed by discussion. For more information on TPA’s Concessions, please visit: https://www.tampaairport.com/tpaconcessions

Tampa International Airport’s Airside D construction is now going to great lengths to the northwest of the Main Terminal, with shuttle guideway supports spanning as much as 160 feet being installed this week.

Crews from contractor Middlesex Corporation this week have been working overnight to begin installing the bridge superstructure between the new Airside D shuttle station in the Main Terminal and the construction site.

The first steel girders for the future guideway and concrete girders for the walkway between the shuttles have been lifted onto support piers and now span the George J. Bean Parkway. The steel girders, which were lifted together in pairs, weigh up to 80 tons, while the concrete girders weigh as much as 70 tons.

A concrete deck will later be added atop the center girders to form the emergency walkway and to cover two baggage conveyors that will deliver checked bags to the aircraft at Airside D.

Airside D will use the same type of automated shuttles that are currently being installed at Airsides A, C, and E. The steel girders on the outside of the walkway will be fitted with concrete decks, serving as the foundation for poured concrete running surfaces that will function as tracks for the shuttle cars on the guideway.

Structural steel installation to build the framework for Airside D began last month.

The guideway girder installation required overnight closures of the parkway as a pair of cranes lifted the spans into place. People driving to the Red Side of the Main Terminal will be detoured through Blue Side lanes and around the building. Please allow extra time if you plan to visit TPA on these nights and follow detour instructions. 

Travelers and workers who need to reach the Airport Marriott, the Air Traffic Control Tower or the Airport Employee Bus will have marked temporary routes to follow, as well. 

Construction crews will need more time to put up the supports south of the Parkway, necessitating another closure for the service road behind the Airport Marriott from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the nights on June 12, 15, 16 and 17. 

In case of inclement weather, make-up days will be June 18, 19, 22, and 23.

Future closures will be necessary as other elements of the guideway bridge such as the concrete decks and running surfaces are installed.

For more information about the 16-gate Airside D, which is scheduled to open in 2029, please visit AirsideD.com.

Please click on an image or the video of the installation below to enlarge or download it:

The inaugural flight marks the first time in 20 years that an airline has offered jet service from America's Favorite Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). The route is available four times per week, giving travelers a convenient way to reach the islands.

TPA hosted a lively gate party to celebrate the milestone, greeting passengers with the bright sounds of a steel drum player, colorful cupcakes, and plenty of giveaways. Airport and Bahamian tourism leaders joined travelers to mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before boarding began. 

“This route is special for me,” TPA Chief Operating Officer John Tiliacos said. “As a Bahamian born and raised in Nassau, I’m so proud to see this service between Tampa and Nassau.”

By the end of 2026, Breeze will serve 37 destinations from TPA, including six in the Caribbean and Latin America. Later this year, the airline plans to launch TPA’s first-ever nonstop flights to San José, Costa Rica, along with new service to Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Tickets to the island paradise are now available for purchase on the Breeze Airways website: https://www.flybreeze.com/

Click the photos and video from the gate celebration below to enlarge or download them:

People driving to Tampa International Airport this week will need to be aware of some late-night traffic changes coming to the George J. Bean Parkway.

Work crews will be lifting concrete and steel supports into place over the Parkway from midnight to 4 a.m. on the nights of June 9, 10, and  11.  An overnight closure of the Parkway will be necessary to enable installation of structural supports for the shuttle guideway from the Main Terminal to the future Airside D on the Airfield across the street. 

In case of inclement weather, make-up days will be June 12, 15 and 16. 

People driving to the Red Side of the Main Terminal will be detoured through Blue Side lanes and around the building. Please allow extra time if you plan to visit TPA on these nights and follow detour instructions. 

Travelers and workers who need to reach the Airport Marriott, the Air Traffic Control Tower or the Airport Employee Bus will have marked temporary routes to follow, as well. 

Construction crews will need more time to put up the supports south of the Parkway, necessitating another closure for the service road behind the Airport Marriott from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the nights on June 12, 15, 16 and 17. 

In case of inclement weather, make-up days will be June 18, 19, 22, and 23.

The shuttle guideway will eventually support automated shuttle cars like the vehicles currently being commissioned at Airsides A, C, and E. Structural steel to build the framework for Airside D began installation last month.

For more information about the 16-gate Airside D, which is scheduled to open in 2029, please visit AirsideD.com.

Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board members on Thursday approved a short list of artists selected to create proposals for public art installations in Airside D and other locations around Tampa International Airport.

The 50 artists who are advancing were selected from among 1,049 portfolio submissions in response to the Airport’s Call for Artists that was issued on February 5.  As part of the Public Art procurement, TPA will commission installations for six locations in Airside D, which is scheduled to open in 2029, and one each in the new Airside A and E security screening checkpoints.

The Call for Artists was expanded to include two more installations on the Main Terminal’s second-floor Ticketing Level, which is scheduled to begin renovations in 2027 to modernize the ticket counters and provide more space for travelers.

Of the artists who submitted portfolios, 13 percent came from outside the United States. Florida was the state with the highest number of respondents, with 189 artist submissions. Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, West Palm Beach, and Miami topped the list of cities in Florida from which artists hailed.

Florida was followed by New York, California, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Illinois and Georgia as the states with the most artists vying for a spot.

The portfolio submissions underwent a review process over several days by an evaluation committee that included Tampa Bay art community leaders and Airport officials. The committee judged the portfolios and then recommended to the Board three primary artists and two alternates for each of the 10 locations.

Following Thursday’s Board approval, the primary artists will each develop site-specific proposals for their installations for the Public Art Committee. These examples can be paintings, sculptures, drawings, collages or other forms of art to demonstrate the artists’ detailed concept.

The artists will present their formal proposals to the Committee at the end of the summer ahead of a final artist selection by the Board in the fall.

The selected artists will be responsible for the development, production, delivery, installation and all travel costs associated with their work.

For more information about the process and the approved short list with both primary and alternate artists, including the location they were invited to work on and how their artwork will be displayed, please visit the schedule on our Call for Artists web page here.

Photo: Janaina Tschape's On memory and plants, in the Red Express Curbsides addition that opened last year, is an example from TPA's Public Art Collection.

With future capacity in mind, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board members on Thursday approved a parking rate adjustment scheduled to go into effect on August 4.

Tampa International Airport is the 27^th-largest airport in the United States by passenger volume but has some of the lowest parking rates among the nation’s top 30 airports. This is while offering a higher quality of services and facilities than those airports, such as Short- and Long-Term parking facilities near the Main Terminal and an Economy Parking Garage serviced by an automated train.

The Board voted to raise daily maximum rates at all three garages by $4 per day starting August 4. The Short Term Garage will cost a maximum of $32 per 24 hours, with Long Term and Economy moving to $26 per day and $22 per day, respectively.

All garages will also simplify how hourly rates are calculated and will offer the first hour of parking for free, including the Economy Garage, which currently only offers the first 15 minutes free of charge.

The last time the Board approved a parking rate adjustment was in February 2023.

Parking rates at TPA will continue to be cheaper for travelers who book reservations in advance online at TampaAirport.com/Park, which will guarantee a space upon arrival. For more information about parking options at TPA, please visit the Airport website here.

TPA earned its spot for developing a high-tech warning system that uses LiDAR and artificial intelligence to detect and alert overheight vehicles before they enter the Airport’s Arrivals and Departures drives, a persistent challenge for TPA and other airports worldwide.

Working with Sotereon.AI, TPA deployed the Overwatch software platform, which integrates five Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors along the roadway to use light pulses to measure vehicle height with remarkable accuracy, within one to two inches. When a vehicle exceeds the set limit, bright LED signs flash messages such as “Vehicle Too High — Merge Right” to redirect drivers safely, while real-time alerts are sent to Airport Police and Operations.

“Overwatch takes data from those sensors and turns it into action,” said Doug Wycoff, TPA’s Director of Digital Technologies & Innovation. “We’ve gone from passive warning signs to a fully managed roadway system that tracks height, volume, and speed. It’s a game changer.”

Since launching on April 3, the system has detected 18 to 20 overheight vehicles daily, preventing costly and dangerous strikes that can shut down roadways and disrupt travelers.

“One semi-truck getting stuck under the terminal can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 in damage and delay hundreds of passengers,” Wycoff explained. “We haven’t had a single incident since we went live, and that speaks volumes.”

Wycoff said the recognition is especially meaningful given the caliber of other finalists.

“It’s exciting to see our ideas stand alongside global innovators like Apple and NVIDIA,” he said. “These are companies with deep resources, and yet we’re right there with them, proving that creativity and smart thinking can come from any size organization.”

Other finalists include:

• Adidas, honored for its Trionda smart soccer ball, which uses embedded chips to transmit real-time data to referees during World Cup matches.
• Apple, recognized for reaching 100% recycled materials in key components such as cobalt in batteries and gold plating in circuit boards.
• Lowe’s, for deploying its Mylow Companion AI assistant that gives store associates instant product knowledge and project guidance.
• Medtronic, for its BrainSense Adaptive DBS system, which personalizes Parkinson’s treatment using real-time brain activity.
• Minnesota Vikings, for their Winter Whiteout Innovation Campaign, which transformed a fan tradition into a global Gen Z engagement platform.

TPA’s inclusion reflects the growing role of airports as innovation testbeds and leaders in smart infrastructure. Wycoff noted that Sotereon.AI is already working with 15 to 20 other airports to expand use of similar technology nationwide.

“We’re proud to see this idea taking off beyond Tampa,” Wycoff said. “It’s not just about preventing incidents, it’s about building smarter, safer airports everywhere.”

Wycoff will represent TPA at the Impact 2026 Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where winners will be announced June 9.

“This kind of innovation doesn’t happen without support from leadership,” Wycoff added. “Our executive team gives us the freedom to experiment and think differently. That’s what makes success like this possible.”

InnoLead is the world’s largest community of corporate innovators. The Impact Awards launched in 2018 and now highlight achievements across technology, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and public infrastructure. TPA’s recognition underscores how operational innovation, often hidden behind the scenes, can deliver world-class impact on safety, efficiency, and customer experience.

The Travelers Aid office, operated by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, offers help to anyone facing unexpected challenges while traveling. This week, two of its longest-serving volunteers, George and Virginia Schultz, were recognized by Crisis Center leaders and TPA executives for an incredible milestone: 20 years of service.

The pair got a special visit this week from Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens and other members of the TPA leadership team to thank them for their many years of service.

“George and Virginia are part of the reason TPA has the reputation it does,” said John Tiliacos, Chief Operating Officer at Tampa International Airport. “It’s the work that they do day in and day out that makes us one of America’s favorite airports.”

For two decades, the Schultzes have been a steady, compassionate presence for travelers in need, whether that means helping a stranded visitor find family, offering diapers to a parent in distress, or simply providing directions and a friendly smile. Both retired teachers, the couple began volunteering shortly after leaving the classroom.

Virginia joined first, encouraged by a friend who was already volunteering at the airport.

“She said, ‘You would really enjoy doing this,’” Virginia recalled. “I came in, got paired with another volunteer to learn the ropes, and when he couldn’t come anymore, George had just retired, so I said, ‘Why don’t you come with me?’”

George followed soon after. 

“Every time you’re helping somebody, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “When we can help someone, it gives you a reason for being.”

Over the years, they’ve assisted travelers in every imaginable situation, from lost luggage and torn suitcases to serious personal crises. 

“Sometimes you get a hearty thank you,” Virginia said. “And that’s the most important part. People come back and thank you for sending them to where they needed to go.”

Beverly Thompson, Travelers Aid Coordinator at TPA, said the couple’s dependability and compassion set them apart. 

“They are exceptional and very dependable. If someone calls off last minute and they’re available, they’ll come in and fill in. They go above and beyond helping all the guests,” she said. “They’ve put in thousands of hours over the years, and we appreciate them so much.”

Travelers Aid at TPA operates seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing support to anyone in crisis or disconnected from their support systems. Services include help with phone calls, emergency items, local referrals, and connections to Crisis Center of Tampa Bay resources. The program is part of the Crisis Center’s mission to ensure that no one has to face a crisis alone.

The program’s continued success is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Signature Aviation General Manager Bill Sneesby and his team, whose support helps maintain the booth’s presence in the Airport.

For George and Virginia, the true reward is the people they meet. 

“It’s nice to interact with different people from all over, to hear their stories, sometimes sad, sometimes happy,” Virginia said. “It’s just about helping however you can.”

Congratulations to George and Virginia Schultz on 20 years of extraordinary service, and thank you to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Signature Aviation for continuing to make compassionate care part of the travel experience.

Interested in Volunteering?

Travelers Aid is always looking for new volunteers. Visit crisiscenter.com for more information or click here to apply.

To Reach the Travelers Aid Desk at Tampa International Airport:

Call (813) 870-8797 or visit the booth on the Main Terminal's Ticketing Level next to the USO office.

Breeze Airways launched its very first flight from TPA to Charleston, S.C., on May 27, 2021, kicking off founder and CEO David Neeleman's vision of an airline that would provide quality customer service with low costs. Breeze was Neeleman’s fifth airline start-up, after JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet, and Utah-based Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines.

What began as an ambitious launch has turned into one of TPA’s greatest airline partner success stories.

Breeze has carried more than 2 million passengers through America's Favorite Airport and boasts 37 nonstop destinations across the country from Tampa Bay. The airline is now TPA’s second-largest carrier in terms of destinations served.

These days, Breeze is looking beyond the United States and setting its sights on the Caribbean and Central America. By the end of this year, the airline will operate five international routes from Tampa, including TPA’s first-ever nonstop flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, along with new service to Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Breeze is also beginning TPA's first-ever nonstop service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in December.

This expansion marks a major leap forward for both Breeze and Tampa Bay travelers. It opens the door to more sunny beaches, fresh adventures and easy flights to see friends and family.

“Breeze has become such a strong partner for Tampa International and for our community," said TPA's Director of Air Service Development Alex Heiter. "They’ve helped open new doors for travelers, and their expansion into international routes shows the confidence they have in this market.”

Neeleman set out to make air travel “Seriously Nice” – Breeze's slogan – by offering affordable, convenient service between cities that were often overlooked and underserved. The airline’s continued investment in Tampa Bay shows that mission in action and reflects just how much passengers have embraced the Breeze experience. To book a flight with Breeze, go to www.flybreeze.com

To look back at video from Breeze's first day at TPA in 2021, click below. Photos from the 5th anniversary celebration are also below. 

Tips for a Smooth Summer at TPA

CHOOSE EXPRESS:
Skip the crowds with TPA’s Red and Blue Express Curbsides, designed for passengers who don’t need to visit Ticketing or Baggage Claim. Follow the Express signs for quick drop-offs and pick-ups right at the Main Terminal.

SKIP THE DRIVE:
Consider public transit options to avoid parking and traffic hassles. Groome Transportation offers express shuttle service between The Villages and TPA, with stops in Brooksville and Wesley Chapel starting at $25. From Pinellas County or downtown Tampa, PSTA’s 300X Airport Express route provides fast, affordable service to the terminal with free parking at the Ulmerton Park & Ride lot.

PLAN AHEAD FOR PARKING:
Reserve your parking online before you arrive. TPA’s booking system guarantees a space and helps the Airport manage demand, making your travel day smoother and less stressful.

CHECK THE WEATHER:
Florida summers often bring pop-up thunderstorms that can briefly affect flight schedules. Early morning flights generally have better odds of staying on time, so monitor your airline’s updates and local forecasts before heading out.

AVOID CIRCLING:
Drivers picking up passengers should use TPA’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot—complete with restrooms, free Wi-Fi, EV charging, and real-time flight information. Once your traveler is at the curb, you can head there quickly without adding congestion to the roadways.

SKIP THE LINES:
TPA offers self-serve boarding pass kiosks on both the Ticketing and Transfer Levels for easy check-in. Hungry travelers can also order food via Uber Eats from participating Airport restaurants and pick it up when ready—no waiting required.

LEAVE YOUR FURRY FRIENDS AT HOME:
Only service animals and pets traveling by air are permitted inside TPA terminals. Pets must remain in carriers or on short leashes for everyone’s safety. Visit TPA’s website for details on airline pet policies and designated pet relief areas.

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES:
TPA makes travel comfortable for all guests, offering Nursing Rooms, Pet Relief Areas, water bottle filling stations, a USO Center, Travelers’ Aid, and Sunflower Lanyards for those with hidden disabilities. Need assistance? Stop by an Information Desk on Level 3 of the Main Terminal, in the Rental Car Center, or near Baggage Claim.

For more travel tips and updates before your trip, visit TampaAirport.com.

Now, after months of preparation and careful setup, the vibrant underwater habitats are back in place. Each display features 19 species of tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and damselfish, nearly 50 individual animals in total. All are native to Florida’s Caribbean reef ecosystems. 

Aquarium staff continue their meticulous care routine, providing the fish with a diet of squid, shrimp, clams, and nutritional pellets, along with regular tank maintenance and scuba dives to keep the habitats pristine. 

For more than 25 years, the partnership between the Florida Aquarium and TPA has brought a touch of the tropics to travelers arriving in Tampa Bay. The return of the exhibits marks another milestone in that ongoing relationship and a welcome splash of color for passengers picking up their luggage. 

Visitors can find the shimmering displays once again at the red and blue baggage claim levels of Tampa International Airport.

Travelers heading to and from Tampa International Airport from Pinellas County should be aware the Courtney Campbell Causeway will be closed in both directions for two nights this week.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of State Road 60 across the Causeway are scheduled to be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the nights of Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12. Westbound passengers will be able to turn around at Ben T. Davis Beach in order to access Rocky Point businesses.

Please follow all detour signage in the area.

The closure is necessary while workers perform overhead bridge work as part of a pedestrian overpass installation on the Clearwater side of the Causeway.

The dates are dependent on weather conditions; May 13 and 14 are backup dates. Further Causeway closures for work on SR 60 may be necessary on the nights of May 18 and 26, and also June 1, weather permitting.

For more information on this project, 437498-1-52-01, please go to the Florida Department of Transportation website.

Both routes to St. Thomas and Cancun are scheduled to operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Service to St. Thomas is scheduled to begin on December 16 followed by Cancun on December 19. 

With the addition of these new routes, Breeze continues to grow its presence at America's Favorite Airport, now offering 37 nonstop destinations from TPA of which five are international. 

"These two new routes mark exciting milestones for Tampa International Airport: Our first-ever flights to St. Thomas and Breeze Airways’ first-ever service to Mexico from TPA,” said TPA CEO Michael Stephens. “Both destinations are in high demand among Tampa Bay travelers, and the timing couldn’t be better as we look ahead to this year's busy holiday travel season. We can’t wait to celebrate the launch of these routes in December.”

From Tampa, travelers will soon be able to jet off to the beautiful shores of St. Thomas or Cancun, where turquoise waters, resorts and charming shops await. 

“With these new routes, Tampa will now offer service to all of our international destinations and be the first to experience our new service to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO. “We know our guests will love these destinations and we look forward to launch this winter.”

Of note for travelers to St. Thomas: U.S. citizens can visit without a passport as the U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, meaning travelers can enjoy the Caribbean’s beauty with all the convenience of domestic travel. Travelers must bring a REAL ID government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) for TSA screening, just as they would for any other domestic flight.

Breeze offers their passengers a variety of amenities, including Ascent premium seating and fast onboard WiFi.

Tickets for both of these new routes are now available for sale on Breeze’s website: https://www.flybreeze.com/home.

A private reception will take place at the airport on May 6 to unveil the winning entries before the exhibit opens to the public. 

Jacob Kamis discovered his love for photography while in middle school at Hillel Academy and went on to become the official photographer for the Aston Martin Owners Club of Florida. Jacob’s many interests included dancing, volleyball, baking, traveling, and flying planes, as he was training for his private pilot's license. His family and former teachers created the contest to honor his memory and encourage other young artists to express themselves through photography. 

“Artistic activities like photography play a vital role in fostering mental health and self-esteem,” said Jacob’s parents, Katherine Alano and Jeffrey Kamis. “We’re grateful to our partners for providing this platform where students can share their stories through photography in Jacob’s memory.” 

The contest’s judging panel included FOX 13 feature reporter Charley Belcher, FMoPA Executive Curator Robin O’Dell, and Florida-based artist and educator Debra Campbell. Sponsors for this year’s event include the DeBartolo Family Foundation, Florida Blue, Proper House Group and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Tampa Executive Airport (VDF) is experiencing a major growth spurt, adding four hangar facilities that are all scheduled to be available later this year.

These hangar projects by various private developers mark one of the largest General Aviation infrastructure expansions to date for Hillsborough County Aviation Authority facilities at VDF. The four hangars will add about 42,000 total [MP1] square feet of space to VDF and are the result of more than $6.4 million in private investment.

The first hangar completed was a nearly 12,000-square-foot project started last summer by VDF fixed-base operator Skyport and was finished in March. An additional 20 vehicle parking spaces were included in the scope of the construction.[EC2] 

The second hangar project that started in June 2025 also will add another approximate 12,000 square feet of hangar space and is more than 50 percent completed. It is anticipated to be completed by end of summer.

The third hangar project will be an approximately 12,000-square-foot hangar split into two hangers that are about 6,000 square feet apiece.  This project is in early construction phase and should be completed by year-end.

The fourth hangar will be approximately 6,000 square feet and is currently in final permitting. The project should also be completed by the end of 2026.

The new hangars will add significant capacity and strengthen economic activity to position VDF for long-term growth. For more information about hangar availability at VDF, go to www.tampaairport.com/business/real-estate.

Click on an image below to enlarge or download it:

The award will be presented at a gala celebration on November 19, 2026, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. The Tony Jannus Award celebrates the Tampa Bay region’s historic role as the birthplace of commercial aviation and honors figures who have shaped its global future.

“Steven Udvar-Hazy may not be a household name outside of the aviation industry, but if you’ve ever been grateful for the ability to fly somewhere important to you at a reasonable price, he might deserve more of the credit for that than any other single person,” said David Long, 2026 Tony Jannus Society Co-Chair.

Five facts you should know about Udvar-Hazy's influence on commercial aviation

1. He pioneered modern aircraft leasing.
In 1973, Udvar-Hazy co-founded International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), one of the first major aircraft leasing companies. Before his model, airlines had to buy planes outright, tying up enormous capital. His leasing concept allowed airlines to expand fleets without spending billions up front, fundamentally changing global airline economics. Today, more than half of all commercial aircraft are leased rather than owned.

2. You’ve probably flown on one of “his” planes.
At its peak, ILFC owned more aircraft than many major airlines. For decades, travelers boarding commercial flights had a strong chance of flying on a plane leased through one of Udvar-Hazy’s companies. His business quietly powered much of the world’s airline capacity.

3. He became one of Boeing and Airbus’s biggest customers.
Udvar-Hazy’s companies ordered hundreds of aircraft from both manufacturers, reportedly more than 700 Boeing jets and around 600 Airbus jets. His purchasing power gave him extraordinary influence over aircraft design, performance specifications, and pricing negotiations, helping shape the planes passengers fly today.

4. He “retired,” then built another empire.
After leaving ILFC in 2010, Udvar-Hazy founded Air Lease Corporation and immediately signed multibillion-dollar aircraft orders, including a 51-plane deal with Airbus. Rather than stepping away, he reinvented his business and created another global leader in aircraft leasing.

5. His name graces one of the world’s greatest aviation museums.
Udvar-Hazy donated more than $60 million to the Smithsonian Institution to help create the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. The museum is home to many historic aircraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Concorde, and the prototype Boeing 367-80.

A lifetime of aviation innovation

Udvar-Hazy’s legacy extends beyond business success. He holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with multiple jet type ratings and has more than 45 years of flight experience. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and has received numerous honorary doctorates. His long list of awards includes the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, Howard Hughes Memorial Award, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary.

He continues to serve the industry as a senior strategic advisor to the Board of Directors of SkyWest, Inc., and as a board member for several private corporations and investment firms.

The Tony Jannus Award, established in 1964 by the Tampa and St. Petersburg Chambers of Commerce, celebrates the Tampa Bay area as the birthplace of commercial aviation. The organization annually honors individuals who have advanced commercial aviation. Past recipients include legends such as Chuck Yeager, Herb Kelleher, Sir Richard Branson, and Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.

Through this recognition, the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society highlights both aviation’s rich heritage and its future, supporting education and outreach for Florida students pursuing aviation careers.

For more information about the 2026 gala and sponsorship opportunities, visit TonyJannus.com.