The Florida Department of Transportation named Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) as the Commercial Service Airport of the Year for the first time since 1993.
William Ashbaker, state aviation manager, released a statement citing reasons for the award, including a flawless safety inspection in November by the Federal Aviation Administration, a multi-million upgrade to security, a $5M runway rehabilitation project completed while maintaining airline service during normal business hours, and a successful air service development program undertaken by SRQ that has attracted AirTran Airways and Jet Blue Airways, according to the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
In the statement, Fredrick Piccolo, SRQ president, pledged to continue efforts to improve the facilities and air service at the airport.
