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SARASOTA – On Monday, August 18, 2014, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) celebrated paying off the bonds associated with the construction cost of the 1989 terminal building by hosting an official Debt Burn. Besides being debt-free, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) also celebrated the ongoing terminal renovation project which should be completed by the end of 2015. Both the Ticket Wing and the Baggage Claim Area on the first floor have been completed and currently the Concourse is being remodeled.
Past and present SMAA Board members, SMAA employees, as well as SRQ Tenants met at the east air carrier ramp of the airport at 10 a.m. and enjoyed flames, fire trucks, a water cannon salute, as well as cake and other refreshments. When addressing the crowd and media, Mr. Fredrick J. Piccolo, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority stated, “Today we will extinguish the debt that led to the realization of a vision twenty five years ago and begin a new journey forward knowing the airport has positioned itself for many years of fiscal stability and superior facilities.” SMAA Chairman Jack Rynerson added that “The retirement of a twenty five year obligation is a milestone that deserves recognition because it is the culmination of the efforts of so many people to ensure the airport and community succeed.”
Videos of SRQ’s history and the Debt Burn Event are available on YouTube:
SRQ History: youtu.be/YCysexVU_Ns
Debt Burn: youtu.be/WM5MLoJqppE