From: Gulfshore Business Magazine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2019 5:20 AM Subject: Gulfshore Business Daily March 5 The Sun | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 VIEWPOINT www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 5 Midway widening named Project of the Year ongratulations to extension is completed enabled the county to and suicide on the Charlotte County has to Project Manager and the road opened install utility lines while entire community. offer the meetings market. C Jeff Keyser and Charlotte County for traffic Tuesday. the road was under “The film is designed The show resulted in the Public Works team Administrator Piper Road now runs construction, saving to educate and spark receiving one request for for earning the Florida completely from Jones money and enhancing the conversations about proposal and five strong chapter of the American Ray Loop south of the Punta development prospects of hard topics through the leads for future meetings/ Public Works Association’s SANDROCK Gorda Airport to U.S. 17 the adjacent properties. power of storytelling,” conference business Project of the Year for east of the Interstate 75 A ribbon-cutting said CC-TV Program with the Florida State the Midway Boulevard interchange. Not only ceremony is scheduled for Manager Elizabeth Tracy, Courts, the Florida Fish Phase II project. were used, including will the completed road 4 p.m., March 21. who produced and & Wildlife Conservation The 2.32-mile microtunneling higher- open the Punta Gorda directed the production. Commission, Florida project widened the capacity canals beneath Interstate Airport Park ‘Choices and “We hope the audience Department of road between Harbor U.S. 41. Seven stormwater for more commercial and Chances’ walks away with a greater Transportation, Florida Boulevard and Kings ponds were built along industrial development, understanding of how Engineering Society, Highway from a two- Midway Boulevard to it will provide a more “Choices and Chances,” they can take meaningful Florida Institute of CPA’s, lane road to a four-lane capture and store runoff. convenient route to Punta a CC-TV film exploring steps to have a positive CMC & Associates and divided road with new The engineer for the Gorda and the rest of the challenges facing our impact and even save Partners in Association sidewalks on both sides. project was Giffels- Charlotte County from youth, premieres March lives.” Management. Over The project also included Webster and the the airport, which is once 30-31 at Regal Cinema the next two days, utility replacement and contractor was Forsberg again breaking passenger Town Center 16. Meeting staff met with nine additional stormwater Construction. records. CC-TV, Charlotte recruitment other associations/ facilities. Keyser and his The Piper Road south County’s government planners, including the The project was colleagues will receive expansion from Henry television channel, Punta Gorda/ Florida Association of completed ahead of the award at the Florida Street to Jones Loop collaborated with Englewood Beach Visitor School Administrators, schedule and under Public Works Expo in was completed in 2013. Charlotte County & Convention Bureau staff Leadership Florida, budget at a cost of Daytona Beach in April. Funding for the north Fire & EMS, Fawcett attended the XSITE Show Florida Department $26.4 million. This is the third straight extension was provided Memorial Hospital, and conducted individual of Health, LeadingAge Environmental year a Public Works from the 1 percent Charlotte Behavioral sales calls in Tallahassee Florida, Wilson & considerations required project has won Project of local option sales tax Health Care, Charlotte Feb. 19-21 to network with Associates and Florida extensive testing, the Year honors from the approved by voters in County Public Schools, more than 50 meeting Trust for Historic monitoring and APWA’s Florida chapter. November 2014. The Drug-Free Charlotte planners from the Preservation which also mitigation for water Last year, the Edgewater project was completed County, Charlotte County association market as well resulted in an RFP and quality, habitat and Drive project received the significantly under Sheriff’s Office and as third-party meeting several solid leads for species protection. award and Keyser’s team budget at $8.8 million. It numerous businesses and planners. Staff held potential future business. Because stormwater won for the microtunnel was originally budgeted community organizations scheduled one-on-one Ray Sandrock is runoff impacts the project in 2016. for $22.4 million. The to produce a gripping meetings with 10 planners the Charlotte County Charlotte Harbor savings was reallocated and informative film that to discuss the details administrator. Readers estuary, innovative and Piper Road open toward additional projects examines the impact of and specifics of potential may reach him at comprehensive runoff on the sales tax list. An texting while driving, future business and Raymond.Sandrock@ management techniques The Piper Road north $800,000 state jobs grant bullying, drinking, drugs educate them on what CharlotteCountyFL.gov. The Sun | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 VIEWPOINT www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 5 Charrette season is coming soon to Punta Gorda ilchrist Park Church. Register for these Florida’s Harborside next fiscal year’s budget Park, which would also Waterfront Activity sessions and view the Hometown has been priorities. require county consent. G Center — Dover Punta Gorda City schedule for the Open placed in the Punta Gorda Peace River Wildlife Under the proposed Kohl will conduct a Manager Design Studios at www. Airport. Center — PRWC is lease, PRWC would be charrette on March 13 at puntagordamasterplan. State of the City seeking to lease city- solely responsible for 5 p.m. at the Charlotte Howard com/new-events. — Mayor Prafke and owned property on all construction costs High School Cafeteria KUNIK Waterfront I presented the 2019 Dundee Road adjacent and utility connection regarding conceptual Development Master State of the City before to South County Park fees. The center’s scenarios to consider for Plan — The Punta Gorda the Charlotte County for the construction of a administrative offices, the area currently housing preference exercises and Boaters Alliance will Republican Club. After hospital and rehabilitative visitor’s center, gift shop the Punta Gorda Boat and other design tools will present its recommended highlighting financial and center for native wildlife. and wildlife viewing cages Bayfront Center. be used to facilitate the Waterfront Development economic trends, capital The property is in will still remain in Ponce Citywide Master discussion. At the end of Master Plan at today’s projects status updates unincorporated Charlotte Park. The City Council Plan Charrettes — Join the workshop, a spokes- City Council meeting. and branding initiatives, County and will require will discuss the lease at its us for an informative person from each table The plan encompasses a the mayor and I answered rezoning approval for the March 6 meeting. presentation on city will report their table’s myriad of water-related questions regarding intended use. Howard Kunik is the planning and community findings and major points activities, programs and Western Michigan, Currently, only water Punta Gorda city manager. revitalization. Following to the entire assembly. initiatives to further seawall assessments and is available at the site. His column appears this presentation Charrettes will be held Punta Gorda as a code compliance. The nearest possible Wednesdays. Readers may community members will on March 11 at 9 a.m. boating community and FY 2020 Budget — wastewater tie-in would reach him at HKunik@ work with members of the and 6 p.m. at First United destination. City staff will hold a be in South County ci.punta-gorda.fl.us. Dover-Kohl team to draw Methodist Church. Historic Pictures — A community conversation and describe their ideas The Work in Progress new art installation fea- on March 28 at 5 p.m. for the future of Punta Presentation will be held turing photos of historic at the Punta Gorda Gorda. March 15 at 4:30 p.m. at hotels in Punta Gorda and Isles Civic Association Base maps, visual the First United Methodist the City of Punta Gorda to garner input into Page 12 E/N/C www.yoursun.com LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWS The Sun | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Goodbye, long airport security lines PGD to host TSA Precheck enrollment event in March By LIZ HARDAWAY STAFF WRITER HOW TO ENROLL IN Sunday. TSA PRECHECK Where: PGD’s short-term The Punta Gorda Airport parking lot at 28000 Airport Road, What: The Punta Gorda Airport Punta Gorda, Fla. 33982 (PGD) wants you to get How: through their security will have a TSA Precheck Mobile Register for an appoint- lines a lot quicker. And you RV to help people enroll for the ment at https://www.IdentoGO. won’t even have to take off program onsite. com/PreCheck your shoes. When: Monday, March 25 The TSA Precheck RV is The Charlotte County — Thursday, April 4 from 9 a.m. equipped with steps and is not Airport Authority to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. wheelchair accessible. If needed, announced this week a Also Friday, April 5 from 9 a.m. please check the TSA’s website to TSA Precheck mobile to 12 p.m. Closed Saturday and determine the nearest permanent RV will be coming to the location that is ADA compliant. airport from March 25 to April 4 for travelers to “It’s a win-win for the fee of $85, which can be enroll for the program airport and for travelers.“ paid by credit card, money onsite. To apply, bring order, company check or TSA Precheck is the documentation proving certified/cashier’s checks. Transportation Security your identity and Cash and personal checks AP PHOTO Administration’s expedited citizenship. If you have a aren’t accepted. A Transportation Secu- screening program that valid U.S. passport, that Once approved, rity Administration (TSA) lets lets approved travelers is all you need. If you had travelers will receive a employee works at a security get through security lines a name change or alias, known traveler number checkpoint at Miami Interna- quicker. bring in your original which allows them to tional Airport in January. “We encourage our documents to confirm use the (typically much passengers to enroll in TSA those changes. quicker) TSA Precheck liquids stored in a bottle PreCheck because it makes The process concludes lines. The program allows that is 3.4 ounces or less. travelling more convenient with giving fingerprints U.S. citizens and lawful This is the airport’s for our passengers while for a background check permanent residents to third year hosting this helping security lines onsite. apply. event. Last year, the event move more quickly,” said There is an application Travelers who are enrolled 707 new travelers PGD’s CEO, James Parish. approved don’t have to in the program. remove shoes, laptops, “PGD is proud to have light outerwear, belts or exceeded the expectations their carry-on liquids. for enrollments in 2018, Passengers are allowed to and we want to repeat that carry 1 quart-sized clear, success again,” Parish said. plastic, zip-top bag with Email: [email protected] The Sun | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Page 8 C www.yoursun.com FROM PAGE ONE Piper Road extension now open

PHOTO PROVIDED The new Piper Road extension opened Tuesday in Charlotte County.

Punta Gorda Airport applauds quicker access with new roadway

STAFF REPORT Charlotte County’s 1 extension is now OPEN!” new extension. cent sales tax, and is the stated a Facebook The road is expected The new Piper Road county’s first project to post from Punta to reduce traffic in the Extension opened incorporate LED, energy Gorda Airport. “Now residential neighbor- Tuesday to motorists in efficient street lighting. passengers can quickly hood off Golf Course Charlotte County. Punta Gorda Airport get to PGD from exit Boulevard. It came in The 1.5 mile stretch officials were excited 164. Congratulations under budget and ahead of roadway runs east about it on opening day. Charlotte County, of schedule. of I-75, from U.S. 17 “Our staff and Florida Government!” The posted speed to Henry Street. It passengers are thrilled There’s also a walking/ limit is 45 miles per was funded through the Piper Road biking path along the hour near U.S. 17. The Sun | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 OUR TOWN — NEIGHBORS Page 2B C www.yoursun.com

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

The Florida International Air Show The 38th annual event will be held Nov. 1-3, at the Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.FloridaAirShow.com. The Sun | Thursday, March 7, 2019 www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 5 Passenger growth starting to level off PGD officials not surprised by latest passenger count By LIZ HARDAWAY experienced over the last Sunseeker,” he said. STAFF WRITER several years put Punta But Allegiant isn’t the Gorda Airport on the only hope for growth at PUNTA GORDA — map as a commercial PGD. Though not as explosive service airport, but we “We’re continuing to as it used to be, passen- didn’t expect growth to market to other airlines ger growth at the Punta continue at such a high as well,” Parish said. Gorda Airport (PGD) is rate.” “Our low-cost airport still slow and steady. The airport’s Master model is attractive to February saw 148,118 Plan predicts conserva- other airlines.” passengers fly in and tive growth averaging However, PGD has out of PGD, growing by 3.4 percent, with annual competitive airports 5.74 percent since this passenger enplanements both north and south time last year. increasing to approxi- of it. On the other hand, mately 841,169 in 2036. Ron Mallard, the each month in 2018 had PGD saw 786,911 total airport’s chief operating an average growth of enplanements in 2018, officer, mentioned at 22.85 percent from the and has already seen the Feb. 21 Charlotte year before. February 137,611 so far this year. County Airport 2018, for example, Both Sanford Airport Authority meeting that grew by 27.5 percent near Orlando and St. airport staff met with compared to its 2017 Pete-Clearwater Airport a representative from counterpart. have seen their growth recently. “We are not surprised in Allegiant passengers The airline has an that the passenger level off, Parish said. interest in using PGD growth has leveled “We expect steady as a backup airport to off a bit,” said James growth to continue as Fort Myers’ RSW in case Parish, the airport’s chief Allegiant incorporates there is an issue landing executive officer. “The additional aircraft into there, the Sun reported. double-digit growth we its fleet, and as it builds Email: [email protected] PGD announces ‘Flybrary’

| March 07, 2019

Passengers flying through Punta Gorda Airport can now take, borrow or trade a book for free at the Bailey Terminal near baggage claim. The PGD Flybrary partnership with the Charlotte County Library System is intended to promote literacy, reduce flight anxiety and help create a positive travel experience.

“Flying is the perfect time to settle into a good book,” said Charlotte County Airport Authority Commissioner Kathleen Coppola. “Thanks to the new PGD Flybrary, a good book won’t be hard to find.”

The PGD Flybrary is a 20-foot space in the hallway adjacent to baggage claim with 14 shelves of reading material and a backdrop of blue skies, white clouds and inspirational quotes. Signage encourages airport visitors to take a book to borrow for their travels, trade a book or leave one for others to enjoy. There are no fees and visitors are under no obligation to return the books.

“We developed the Flybrary based on the ‘Little Free Library’ concept but creatively modified it to have a lofty aviation theme, be indoors and be large enough to accommodate the growing number of passengers travelling through Punta Gorda Airport,” said PGD’s Marketing & Communications Manager Kaley Miller.

In early 2018, LeAnn Beckwith, librarian supervisor for the Punta Gorda branch of the Charlotte County Library System, first proposed the idea of an airport book exchange or Little Free Library where passengers could pick up some reading materials to take on their flights.

“Board books for young children can be a great distraction during long waits. Reading can also help relieve stress and be comforting to folks who may be anxious flyers,” said Ms. Beckwith.

The library system is responsible for replenishing reading materials for the PGD Flybrary with used paperback books, hardcover books and magazines, utilizing its excess inventory and/or donations from the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library. PGD staff and library volunteers will also help monitor the inventory and add a Flybrary sticker to the back of each book that’s left on a shelf.

“The Flybrary is a great way to reinforce a positive airport experience and the importance of our local libraries,” said Charlotte County Airport Authority Commissioner Paul Andrews. “No matter where the books travel, their readers will see the Flybrary sticker with our logos and be reminded of Charlotte County.”

While the Flybrary is accessible to all, its reading materials are intended for traveling guests, families and children flying through PGD. Patrons wishing to donate books to the Flybrary beyond its shelving capacity are encouraged to email PuntaGordaLibrary@ charlottecountyfl.gov or call 833-5460 for further directions. ¦

https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/articles/pgd-announces-flybrary/ B2 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEK OF MARCH 7-13, 2019 CHARLOTTE COUNTY FLORIDA WEEKLY PGD announces ‘Flybrary’ SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

Passengers flying through Punta Gorda Airport can now take, borrow or trade a book for free at the Bailey Terminal near baggage claim. The PGD Flybrary partnership with the Charlotte County Library System is intended to promote literacy, reduce flight anxiety and help create a positive travel experience. “Flying is the perfect time to settle into a good book,” said Charlotte County Air- port Authority Commissioner Kathleen Coppola. “Thanks to the new PGD Fly- brary, a good book won’t be hard to find.” The PGD Flybrary is a 20-foot space be comforting to folks who may be anx- in the hallway adjacent to baggage claim ious flyers,” said Ms. Beckwith. with 14 shelves of reading material and a The library system is responsible for backdrop of blue skies, white clouds and replenishing reading materials for the inspirational quotes. Signage encourages PGD Flybrary with used paperback airport visitors to take a book to borrow books, hardcover books and magazines, for their travels, trade a book or leave one utilizing its excess inventory and/or dona- for others to enjoy. There are no fees and tions from the Friends of the Punta Gorda visitors are under no obligation to return Library. PGD staff and library volunteers the books. will also help monitor the inventory and “We developed the Flybrary based on add a Flybrary sticker to the back of each the ‘Little Free Library’ concept but cre- book that’s left on a shelf. atively modified it to have a lofty aviation “The Flybrary is a great way to rein- theme, be indoors and be large enough force a positive airport experience and to accommodate the growing number the importance of our local libraries,” of passengers travelling through Punta said Charlotte County Airport Authority Gorda Airport,” said PGD’s Marketing & Commissioner Paul Andrews. “No matter Communications Manager Kaley Miller. where the books travel, their readers will In early 2018, LeAnn Beckwith, librari- see the Flybrary sticker with our logos an supervisor for the Punta Gorda branch and be reminded of Charlotte County.” of the Charlotte County Library System, While the Flybrary is accessible to all, first proposed the idea of an airport book its reading materials are intended for trav- exchange or Little Free Library where eling guests, families and children flying passengers could pick up some reading through PGD. Patrons wishing to donate materials to take on their flights. books to the Flybrary beyond its shelving “Board books for young children can capacity are encouraged to email Pun- be a great distraction during long waits. [email protected] or Reading can also help relieve stress and call 833-5460 for further directions. ■ The Sun | Saturday, March 9, 2019 www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 5 LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWS Plane makes emergency landing at Punta Gorda Airport There was an block of Glenridge Ave. NW, Port with registration law, failure to emergency landing at POLICE BEAT Charlotte. Charge: battery. Bond: register change in employment. the Punta Gorda Airport none (supervised release). Bond: $7,500. (PGD) Friday afternoon. The information for Police Beat is Trevor Lee Coday, 21, 900 block Pilots of a private jet gathered from police, sheriff’s office, Florida of Columbia Terrace, Port Charlotte. The North Port Police departing PGD noticed Highway Patrol, jail and fire records. Not Charges: possession of drug para- Department reported the a low pressure oil gauge every arrest leads to a conviction and guilt phernalia, possession of a controlled following arrests: for the plane, so they or innocence is determined by the court substance without a prescription Stephen Houser, 31, 3500 block of shut down their engine system. and possession of marijuana over 20 Island Club Drive, North Port. Charge: and notified the tower, grams. Bond: $12,500. driving with a license suspended. according to county The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Erika Lyn Hampton, 38, of Bond: $500. spokesman Todd Dunn. Office reported the following Bokeelia. Charge: violation of Stephanie Williams, 45, 1500 As a result Charlotte arrests: probation. Bond: none. block of Glenan Street, North Port. County Fire/EMS Pedro Luis Rodriguez, 53, 1500 Charges: domestic battery and personel were sent out to block of Porchey Drive, Punta Gorda. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s obstructing justice — tampering monitor the landing “just Charges: failure to appear and Office reported the following in misdemeanor proceeding. Bond: in case they don’t land underlying charge. Bond: $10,000. arrests: $1,500. safely,” Kenneth Ellison Hudson II, 50, Stephanie Mazeo, 29, 3500 — Compiled by Anne Easker and The jet had five hours 21400 block of Edgewater Drive, block of Island Club Drive, North Tom Harmening of fuel, Dunn said, with Port Charlotte. Charge: violation of Port. Charge: driving with license three passengers on- probation. Bond: none. suspended. Bond: $500. board. Luckily, the jet Casey Lee Green, 32, 2100 block Steven Wiggins, 39, 4100 block of landed safely. of Corfell St., Port Charlotte. Charge: Cobbler Lane, North Port. Charges: The jet was serviced knowingly driving while license three counts of violation sex offender before they flew again, suspended or revoked. Bond: $1,500. law — failure to report name or Dunn said. Megan Brooke Kershner, 22, 100 residence change, failure to comply The Sun | www.yoursun.com UPCOMING EVENTS Page 5 • March 13, 2019 See colorful Florida landscapes at new art exhibit Provided by TRUDY GERHARDT

Popular acrylic paint- er, Larry Palmer, will ex- hibit a series of colorful Florida landscapes at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Gallery, 1532 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte during the month of March. Palmer’s work has been exhibited Internationally as well as here in the U.S. Most PHOTO PROVIDED recently his work has Larry Palmer’s “Dolphin Play” appeared at the Visual Art Center in Punta Gorda, Harborside Event IF YOU GO Center, Punta Gorda Airport and the new WHAT: Meet the artists and view the exhibit WHEN: Charlotte Arts Gallery at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 16 WHERE: Town Center Mall. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Gallery, 1532 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte Also exhibiting 3D INFORMATION: work will be Michelle Call 941-627-4303 McCarthy of Firefl y Design Studio. McCarthy Bay, Ivy’s Attic in reception from 4 p.m. creates beads, pendents, Englewood, the Visual to 6 p.m. on March 16, jewelry and functional Art Center in Punta at the UU Fellowship pottery. Her work can Gorda as well as Etsy. Gallery. Light refresh- also be found at several The public is invited ments will be served. For other places including to meet the artists and more information call Arts Alliance of Lemon view the exhibit at a 941-627-4303. CHARLOTTE SUN

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Vol. 127 | Issue No. 73 www.yoursun.com AMERICA’S BEST COMMUNITY DAILY $1.50 AN EDITION OF THE SUN Grounding won’t affect our airports By LIZ HARDAWAY FAA’s grounding, the airport’s manager STAFF WRITER of airport operations, Lionel Guilbert, AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE said. CONTACTS The U.S. government ordered the Other aircraft at SRQ include a myri- : temporary grounding of 737 ad of , McDonnel-Douglas air- 1-800-433-7300 MAX aircraft, the agency announced : 1-800-435-9792 craft, aircraft and Bombardier : Wednesday afternoon, which will leave Regional jets. 1-800-864-8331 our area airports mostly unaffected. However, some airlines housed Neither the Punta Gorda Airport at larger nearby airports including alternate flights without any additional (PGD) nor the Sarasota-Bradenton Southwest Florida International Airport fees or fare differences within 14 days International Airport (SRQ) see this (RSW) in Fort Myers and Tampa of their original date of travel between aircraft on their runways. International Airport (TPA) will be the original city pairs,” the company The only large commercial carrier minimally affected by the grounding. said. flying into PGD, Allegiant Airlines, uses Southwest Airlines has removed their American Airlines, which had 24 of A320 and A319 since retiring 34 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from sched- these aircraft, said affected customers their MD80 fleet. The airport has never uled services, which account for less should rebook themselves on aa.com had the B-787 MAX land on its runway. than five percent of their daily flights, by retrieving their reservation or using United Airlines has a version of the they said in a statement Wednesday. their mobile app. If a flight is canceled, Boeing 737 operating at SRQ, but their “Any Customer booked on a can- Boeing 737-700 is not affected by the celled MAX 8 flight can rebook on AIRPORTS | 5 The Sun | Thursday, March 14, 2019 FROM PAGE ONE www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 5

AIRPORTS AIRLINES WITH 737 MAX AIRCRAFT FROM PAGE 1 AerCap Limited Norwegian Air Shuttle customers can request Aerolineas Argentinas Copa Airlines a full refund by visiting Aeromexico Corendon Airlines Oman Air their website. Air Canada Primera Air On average, American Air Qatar Airways Airlines operates 85 out Air Europa Enter Air of 6,700 flights with these Air Lease Corporation Ethiopian Airlines Ryanair aircraft. Air Niugini flydubai United Airlines will Air Peace Garuda Indonesia SilkAir ground its 14 Boeing ALAFCO GE Capital Aviation Services SMBC Aviation Capital 737 MAX aircraft, which GOL Airlines Southwest Airlines American Airlines account for roughly 40 SpiceJet Arik Air ICBC Leasing Sriwijaya Air daily flights. Aviation Capital Group Icelandair SunExpress “Through a combina- Jet Airways Travel Service tion of spare aircraft and Azerbaijan Jetlines TUI Group rebooking customers, Blue Air Korean Air Turkish Airlines we do not anticipate a BOC Aviation LOT Polish Airlines United Airlines significant operational CALC Lion Air VietJet Aviation impact as a result of this CDB Aviation Virgin Australia order,” the company said Mauritania Airlines WestJet in a statement. Neos Xiamen Airlines E-mail: [email protected] CIT Aerospace Nok Air — Source: www.boeing.com The Sun | Thursday, March 14, 2019 E/N/C www.yoursun.com

LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWS Page 8 executives sentenced Airline formerly flew into Punta Gorda Airport By BETSY CALVERT the DOJ. Punta Gorda at one point, STAFF WRITER “Their brazen scheme according to Punta Gorda created a multi-million Airport records. Allegiant’s All three Direct Air dollar shortfall that left pas- passenger volume in Punta executives found guilty in a sengers stranded at airports, Gorda soared after Direct federal trial have now been and banks and credit card Air went under, far surpass- sentenced. companies scrambling to ing Direct Air operations. The sentencing comes pick up the pieces,” Acting Punta Gorda Airport seven years after the air Assistant Attorney General Authority Commissioner travel company abruptly John Cronan said in a Pam Seay has said local cancelled all flights, in- post-trial statement issued officials did not know cluding at the Punta Gorda by the DOJ. what was happening with Airport. DOJ reports state that Direct Air up until the day The most recent sentenc- Direct Air executives were the airline cancelled all its ing was in January when all found guilty of submit- flights. The airline promised former Chief Executive ting false documents to a to reopen, but federal Officer Judy Tull, 72, was New Jersey bank, allowing regulators informed the sentenced to 94 months the travel company to with- public that the airline would in prison and ordered draw money that would-be not be reopening and that to pay $19.6 million in travelers had paid for tickets its escrow funds were being restitution, according to on flights not yet flown. investigated. statements from the U.S. Federal law bars airlines The convictions are part Department of Justice. from using escrow accounts of the government’s pursuit Former Vice President Kay with ticket money before of white collar criminals, ac- Ellison, 58, was sentenced the flight. The executives cording to DOJ statements. in November, also to 94 also submitted falsified Legal blogs have noted an months and the same profit and loss statements increase in imprisonment restitution. DOJ announced to credit card companies to in white collar executives Tull’s sentencing at the end persuade the companies to rather than the practice of of January, although she keep working with Direct imposing steep fines on was sentenced on Jan. 11. Air when its finances were large companies. Both women are failing. The former executives Edenton, South Carolina Court documents show face large restitution bills. natives. that Direct Air tried to call Tull applied for a court-ap- A third executive, former itself a travel agency rather pointed lawyer due to her Chief Financial Officer than an airline, to explain its inability to afford her legal Robert Keilmann of New end-run around the banks. defense, according to the Jersey was sentenced in It chartered planes for Myrtle Beach Sun News. November to 60 months vacationers. Unlike Allegiant Seay still credits Direct and only up to 5 percent Travel Company — current- Air with introducing the of the restitution. He had ly the only major commer- vacation model of commer- pleaded guilty in 2015 and cial airline serving Punta cial travel to Punta Gorda cooperated with federal Gorda Airport — Direct Air Airport that Allegiant has investigators during the did not own any planes. continued. investigation, according to Both airlines operated at Email: [email protected] Sarasota woman uses DNA to find brother she never knew and reunite him with his father

By Thomas Becnel Staff Writer Posted Mar 14, 2019 at 8:17 PMUpdated Mar 15, 2019 at 9:17 AM

Vicki McClenathen spent months comparing DNA matches and family connections.

What started with a hunch on Ancestry.com ended with a pile of Polaroids on Vicki McClenathen’s kitchen counter.

“There you go,” said 81-year-old Eddie Houchin, holding up an old snapshot of his profile. “You got the nose.”

“Yeah,” joked 57-year-old Charlie Basinger. “I think so.”

McClenathen, the former executive director of the Community Associations Institute in Sarasota, spent months comparing DNA matches and family connections before concluding that Basinger was the half-brother she never knew she had. It took weeks to break the news, meet him in California, then arrange a cross-country reunion with their father.

The men only met Thursday morning at the Punta Gorda Airport, but they quickly found things in common. Both are Army veterans who love motorcycles and proclaim their support for President Donald Trump. They share politically incorrect attitudes and a bawdy sense of humor.

The son’s first question for his father: Was he conceived in the back seat of a Ford or Chevy? Houchin replied that it was a 1953 Hudson Hornet.

“Well,” Basinger said, “at least my mother was comfortable.”

McClenathen, 60, spent most of Thursday laughing and shaking her head. Her brother and father laughed and joked about everything from Army days to penis size. They’re both supposed to stay with her for more than a week, but neither had any grand plans for a Florida vacation.

“I told them, ‘We can do whatever you want,’” she said. “They both said, ‘I’m fluid, like water.’ They both said that to me.”

‘Pieces of a puzzle’

McClenathen’s interest in genealogy began with her son’s fourth-grade assignment to trace his family tree. She reached out to her grandmothers and looked as far back as the Revolutionary War.

“It’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle,” she says. “I love to learn and I’m always learning things. I learned about Mammoth Cave because my great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather discovered it.”

At Ancestry.com, she found Basinger, who had been given a DNA test as a present from his mother and daughter. He was interested in his Scotch, Irish and German background.

When McClenathen contacted him, they began exchanging photos. Then they had their first FaceTime conversation.

“The minute I saw his face, heard his voice, I knew,” she says. “There was an instant family connection — boom.” Basinger saw his father in himself, too.

“You take my Basic Training photo,” Basinger says, “and we look like twins.”

This led to an awkward conversation with his mother, who wound up marrying and then divorcing another man, one he had always thought was his biological father.

She told her son that she knew Houchin, back in 1960, but they were never a couple and the tests must be wrong. He gently suggested that DNA results — and a pair of prominent noses — offered a different explanation.

“My mom’s not too happy about this, but I’m elated,” Basinger says. “I’m meeting my real father, who’s still alive.”

‘Reality’ of DNA

Basinger, who lives in San Bernardino, California, is a retired correctional officer. He has two children and one grandchild. For an airport meeting with his father, he wore plaid shorts, a golf shirt and his 82nd Airborne cap.

Houchin, who lives in Ohio across the river from , used to run a home repair business. To meet his son, he wore a stars- and-stripes tie and a cap that said, “If you love freedom, thank a veteran.”

McClenathen, who has a big laugh and a smaller nose, met Basinger while visiting family in California. She has three children and two grandchildren, along with an interest in all the branches of a family tree that includes marriages, divorces and the occasional surprise.

“Reality’s reality,” she says. “The more I do this DNA stuff, you just have to tell it like it is. The DNA doesn’t lie.”

https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20190314/sarasota-woman-uses-dna-to-find-brother-she-never-knew-and-reunite-him-with-his-father The Sun | Sunday, March 17, 2019 OUR TOWN — SUNCOAST HOMES www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 7B Environmental hearing on airport projects draws few Construction could start in fall involving runway, terminal, filling wetlands By BETSY CALVERT those who live at the end of a STAFF WRITER runway known only as 4:22. The short answer was it would Six people from the same likely be worse for part of the proj- street showed up at Punta Gorda ect and better for the other part of Airport hearing to share their the project, said Project Manager frustration with living at the end Ron Ridenour. All airline flights of the runway. will be diverted to one runway No one else showed up or the other while each is under earlier this month to comment construction. The main runway on the environmental impact of will not be extended but must be four airport projects that could rebuilt, because it is deteriorating, begin as soon as November. The he said. hearing was held March 5 at the The residential area known as Charlotte Harbor Conference and Charlotte Ranchettes is located Event Center in Punta Gorda. immediately to the west of the air- Holding a hearing is a federal port. Some residents have told the requirement before construction Sun that the airport noise is not can begin. Projects under review an issue for them. But residents at at the hearing were: the hearing said they are the first • extending a runway and homes at the end of the runway. rebuilding another Richardson said she and her • expanding parking husband bought their property • building a new terminal for about 40 years ago, and the GRAPHIC PROVIDED non-airline flights airport had already been there Punta Gorda Airport created this graphic to explain the four projects they expect to begin in November. • filling in wetlands near run- for several decades. Activity has ways to keep wetland birds away increased dramatically in recent airport better expansion options such as what brought down a US but rely mostly on federal grants from airplane engines. years, however. for commercial airlines including Airways flight in New York City in as well as airport revenue, said Betty Richardson spoke for A new $16.4 million terminal Allegiant planes, airport officials 2009. Punta Gorda Airport report- Ridenour. The airport is not her neighbors on Osterman is planned for the non-airline have said. ed 53 bird strikes in 2018 but none guaranteed the grants, but has a Boulevard when she asked if the flights, called general aviation. Filling wetlands is required to with substantial damage. good chance of being awarded upcoming runway extension Moving the existing general prevent potentially dangerous These projects do not use them, he said. would make things worse for aviation terminal will allow the mid-air collisions with wildlife, Charlotte County taxpayer funds, Email: [email protected] Allegiant secures initial funding for Charlotte Harbor resort

By Laura Finaldi Staff Writer Posted Mar 18, 2019 at 3:54 PMUpdated Mar 19, 2019 at 8:39 AM

Global investment group TPG Sixth Street Partners has committed $175 million to the development, which will be the first of its kind under Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts brand.

Allegiant Travel Co. announced Monday that it has entered into a financing agreement for its Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor that could end up being valued at $1 billion.

The -based travel company and parent of said that global investment group TPG Sixth Street Partners (TSSP) has committed $175 million in initial funding to support construction of the development, which will be the first of its kind under Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts brand.

Phase 1 of the resort is expected to include roughly 510 hotel rooms, 189 extended-stay suites, meeting and conference space, restaurants, bars, retail and a harbor walk.

According to its website, the pet-friendly resort on 22 acres along the Charlotte Harbor waterfront will have 17 restaurants, bars and cafes, ranging from an Italian-style coffee shop to a specialty steakhouse to a made-to-order cheese and charcuterie counter to a modern take on the classic Florida tiki bar. The resort swimming pool is expected to be over 1,000 feet long.

Construction is expected to be finished by fall 2020.

The resort will be located near Punta Gorda Airport, an Allegiant base of operations. It will create a synergy between air transportation and hospitality.

Allegiant also serves nearby St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Allegiant said that it currently moves more than 8 million visitors in and out of Florida on an annual basis, and that it served more than 1.5 million passengers out of Punta Gorda last year.

The long-term partnership between Allegiant and TSSP will allow them to develop future phases for Sunseeker Resorts down the line, according to a news release.

“We look forward to working with TSSP to develop a premier leisure destination that brings great value, world-class facilities and innovative service to our customers, brings jobs and economic opportunity to the region, and supports the evolution of Allegiant as a multi-faceted leisure travel company,” John Redmond, president of Allegiant Travel Co., said in a statement.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20190318/allegiant-secures-initial-funding-for-charlotte-harbor-resort/1 Page 8B E/N/C www.yoursun.com OUR TOWN — BUSINESS NEWS The Sun | Tuesday, March 19, 2019 The Civil Air Patrol’s Charlotte County Composite Squadron takes to the skies for search and rescue exercises By DONNA JABLONSKI CIVIL AIR PATROL

The Charlotte County Composite Squadron conducted a search and rescue exercise during the month of February. The practice exercise is a critical component of one of the Civil Air Patrol’s missions – search and rescue. Most aircraft in this country are equipped with emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) that are activated by the impact of a crash. The signal is picked up by airliners or other aircraft, and the U.S. Air Force (95 percent of the time) notifies the nearest Civil Air Patrol unit. During the February exercise, seven air sorties and two ground crews were deployed, involving senior members and cadets. Both missions were designed to practice communications and skills in searching for Emergency Services Officer Dave Curtis, Air Operations Branch Director Robert Filler, and Squadron Commander Maj. Gerald Lewis. aircraft locator beacons. The mission scenarios were based on fictitious downed aircraft in wooded areas around Punta Gorda Airport. The different scenarios allowed teams to hone their skills in search and rescue emergency situations. Training missions are essential activities performed by CAP for maintaining mission readiness. They include visual search pattern practice looking for simulated downed aircraft and boating George Noren Aerial Photographer, Maj. Richard Morrell Mission Members of Charlotte County Composite Squadron participate in February’s SAREX, a search and vessels in distress; Pilot and 2nd Lt Beverly Mautner. rescue exercise. electronic searches for emergency locator Mission Pilots, Mission to avoid other aircraft, 33982-2452, or contact transmitter signals both Observers, Mission birds, towers and 2nd Lt Donna Jablonski from the air and on the Radio Operators, Aerial the airspace around at djablonski1017@gmail. ground; and ensuring Photographers, and Punta Gorda Airport, com. Follow the local our aerial photographers UDF (Urban Direction and communication chapter at fl051.flwg.us geo-tag the locations. Finding) teams. procedures. and www.facebook.com/ All missions were Charlotte County CAP is the auxiliary capfl051. successful in locating the Composite Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, downed aircraft. Emergency Services celebrating its 78th year One of the additional Officer Dave Curtis, of serving America. PHOTOS PROVIDED benefits in participating coordinated the For information, visit To the right: In February, in these exercises is extremely complex Gocivilairpatrol.com, members of the Charlotte the training and/or event which begins write to Charlotte County County Composite Squadron qualification and re- with briefings of the Composite Squadron, perform a SAREX (Search and qualification of various search area, maintaining 28000 A-21 Airport Rescue Exercise) over Char- specialties. These include situational awareness Rd, Punta Gorda, FL lotte County. Charlotte County welcomes Allegiant Sunseeker Resort

By Vicki Dean Correspondent Posted Mar 20, 2019 at 3:49 PMUpdated Mar 20, 2019 at 4:15 PM

The $420 million project will create the tallest buildings in the county. The company promises 500 full-time jobs.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- The only thing missing at the groundbreaking for Allegiant Travel Co.’s $420 million Sunseeker Resort was the sun.

Under a light mist Wednesday morning, company and county officials dug ceremonial golden shovels in the sandy soil along Charlotte Harbor to signal the start of construction on the company’s first full-service resort.

Phase 1 of the project is expected to add 510 resort hotel rooms and 180 one-, two- and three-bedroom extended stay units in three nine-story waterfront towers. Sunseeker Resort will also feature 17 restaurants, bars and cafes and a harbor walk along the 22- acre property.

“It’s not only Charlotte Harbor but it’s the entire community that’s going to benefit from this,” said County Commission Chairman Ken Doherty, noting that a redevelopment district paved the way in 2005 for a project of this scope and size.

Sunseeker will have the tallest buildings in the county and will tower over the mostly residential and business area on both sides of U.S. 41 near the foot of the Punta Gorda bridge. The resort will dramatically alter the skyline along the Port Charlotte side of the harbor, which is a nationally protected estuary.

Allegiant promised to bring 500 full-time jobs once Sunseeker opens in the fall of 2020, mostly in the hospitality industry and service sector to staff the restaurants, hotels and retail development along the waterfront. Company officials said they are working with area schools and colleges to fill a demand for workers.

Allegiant Airlines’ investment in Charlotte County has already paid huge dividends, as the airline’s expanding operations allowed the Punta Gorda Airport to set a traffic record of 1.58 million passengers in 2018.

.

The airline began flying into Charlotte County in 2009 and now flies 45 routes annually in and out of the airport 15 minutes from the resort.

“It’s a big step, but the investment is going to be worth it,” John Redmond, Allegiant Travel president, said at the groundbreaking.

Allegiant serves seven airports in Florida, bringing 8 million passengers to the Sunshine State. Allegiant also flies into St. Petersburg/Clearwater and just started operating out of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport last year. It also flies into Orlando Sanford east of the Disney area. Charlotte County continues to grow, albeit a little slower than neighboring Sarasota County to the north and Lee County to the south. The county’s population grew 13.8 percent to 182,000 in 2017, up from 160,000 in 2010, according to Census Bureau estimates.

Company officials said they were faced with a lack of familiarity with the Charlotte County area when they searched for funding, getting some familiar questions: Punta Where? Port What?

“It’s part of the DNA of what we do,” said Redmond, who is a former MGM Grand official. “We have never done the obvious in our history. That’s what makes us so successful. This will be the most successful non-gaming hotel anywhere.”

Initially, Sunseeker was announced as 720 condominiums and a smaller 75-room hotel but Allegiant officials changed the mix of the project to hotel and long-term rentals after researching the market, according to a Herald-Tribune report in October 2018. A proposed 1,000-foot-long resort pool is on hold, and three acres adjacent to Sunseeker may be developed in future stages.

The waterfront hotel rooms are expected to start at $175 a night, with “Sunsuites” renting from $249 to $499 a night, according to a kiosk in the resort’s new welcome center along U.S. 41.

The Sunseeker development is less than a mile from downtown Punta Gorda, which has experienced a revival in recent years by adding several full-service hotels and numerous restaurants and bars in the waterfront city.

The city of Punta Gorda has rebounded beautifully after being decimated by Category 4 Hurricane Charley in August 2004. The city also hopes to be a partner with the resort, providing amenities and attractions for Sunseeker’s guests.

“I think this is a wonderful addition to Charlotte County,” said Patti Allen, general manager of Fishermen’s Village across the harbor in Punta Gorda. “I believe that it’s really going to put Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte on the map.”

https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20190320/charlotte-county-welcomes-allegiant-sunseeker-resort The Sun | Saturday, March 23, 2019 Page 14 E/N/C www.yoursun.com LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWS Ribbon cutting for Piper Road North

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY CALVERT Local leaders from Charlotte County and Punta Gorda, cut the ribbon Thursday, on the last phase of the Piper Road construction project. From the left are: John Elias, county Public Works director; Lindsey Johnson, project manager with Public Works; Jaha Cummings, Punta Gorda City Councilman, Commissioner Ken Doherty, Commissioner Chris Constance, Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch and Punta Gorda Vice Mayor Lynn Matthews.

PHOTO PROVIDED This is a view of the completed north section of Piper Road looking north to the intersection with U.S. 17. Charlotte Harbor is in the distance. Construction on the northern section began in April 2015 and was completed in March 2019. The full road was first envisioned in the 1990s as an evacuation route to the Punta Gorda Airport. The southern section phase was completed in 2011. With the completion of the northern phase, the four lane road now connects U.S. 17 at Regency Road to Jones Loop Road North passing the airport. The northern section is 1.5 miles and cost $7.7 million from the 2014 Local Option Sales Tax. The Sun | www.yoursun.com UPCOMING EVENTS Page 16 • March 27, 2019 The USAF Thunderbirds to soar at the 2019 Florida International Air Show

PROVIDED BY FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW IF YOU GO WHAT: The Florida International Air Show The Thunderbirds are WHEN: Nov. 1-3 coming. The crowds are WHERE: Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda expected to follow. INFORMATION: One of the world’s Nov. 1: elite air-demonstration Gates open at 5 p.m. squadrons is scheduled Performances: 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. Evening show featuring aircraft to perform at the Florida displays, aircraft performances and a finale fireworks show. International Air Show on Nov. 2-3 Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at the Gates open at 9 a.m. Punta Gorda Airport. Performances: Noon-3:30 p.m. PHOTO PROVIDED Dana Carr, the FIAS Tickets are available at www.floridaairshow.com. One of the world’s elite air-demonstration squadrons is scheduled to perform at the Florida Air Show board presi- The USAF Thunderbirds will perform Nov. 2-3 only. International Air Show on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at the Punta Gorda Airport. dent, rubbed his hands in anticipation of the it doubles or triples Airport. Thunderbirds’ appearance our attendance,” Carr “You got to fi gure General admission and re- at www.fl oridaairshow. “We’re expecting a huge – their fi rst in Southwest said during a recent we’re going to draw up to served tickets range from com. crowd this year that we Florida since 2014. meet and greet for the 40,000, 50,000 people.” $7.50 to $55. Weekend and “The No. 1 reason peo- haven’t seen since 2014” “I’m excited. Historically Thunderbirds’ advance All the more reason family packages are avail- ple attend air shows are jet when the Thunderbirds when we have a jet team, team at the Punta Gorda to get your tickets now. able. Tickets are available teams,” Carr continued. last appeared at the show. The Sun | Friday, March 29, 2019 www.yoursun.com Page 7 The Thunderbirds are coming By STEVE LINEBERRY MEDIA/MARKETING

The Thunderbirds are coming. The crowds are expected to follow. One of the world’s elite air-demon- stration squadrons is scheduled to perform at the Florida International Air Show on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at the Punta Gorda Airport. The air show is sched- uled for Nov. 1-3 at the Punta Gorda (PGD) Airport. Dana Carr, the FIAS Air Show board president, rubbed his hands in anticipa- tion of the Thunderbirds’ appearance – their first in Southwest Florida since 2014. “I’m excited. Historically when we have a jet team, it doubles or triples our attendance,” Carr said during a recent meet and greet for the Thunderbirds’ advance team at the Punta Gorda Airport. “You got to figure we’re going to draw up to 40,000, 50,000 people.” All the more reason to get your Air Show tickets now. General admission and reserved tickets range from $7.50 to $55. Weekend and family packages are available. Tickets are available at www. floridaairshow.com. “The No. 1 reason people attend air shows are jet teams,” Carr continued. “We’re expecting a huge crowd this year that we haven’t seen since 2014” when the Thunderbirds last appeared at the show. Sponsorships are available. With the size of the expected crowd, the Air Show will be able to offer businesses an opportunity to reach thousands of potential customers in one place over a short period of time. Information PHOTO PROVIDED on sponsorships is available at www. floridaairshow.com. The USAF Thunderbirds to Soar at the 2019 Florida International Air Show The Sun | Friday, March 29, 2019 www.yoursun.com E/N/C Page 7

LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

The Florida International Air Show The 38th annual event will be held Nov. 1 - 3, at the Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road, featuring the USAF Thunderbirds. Gates open at 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 with performances from 5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Evening show featuring aircraft displays, aircraft performances and a finale fireworks show. Gates open at 9 a.m. on Nov. 2, 3 with performances from noon - 3:30 p.m. The USAF Thunderbirds will perform Saturday and Sunday only. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.FloridaAirShow.com. Allegiant Sunseeker Resorts aligns with TPG Sixth Street to build Phase I of its inaugural project on Charlotte Harbor. by: Business Observer Staff

While local residents await progress on the long-anticipated inaugural Sunseeker Resort in Punta Gorda, Allegiant Travel Co. has been laying the financial groundwork so that it can begin actually laying the groundwork for the project.

Allegiant and its Sunseeker Resorts division has formed a strategic agreement with global finance and investment firm TPG Sixth Street Partners for as much as a $1 billion partnership.

TPG Sixth Street has committed $175 million in initial funding for construction of the first hotel development under Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts brand. That could lead to a partnership to develop the Sunseeker Resorts imprint and future phases of Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor or additional joint ventures.

“We are so pleased to partner with TSSP, not only for strategic capital to construct our inaugural resort on Charlotte Harbor, but also to develop the Sunseeker Resorts brand where we share a vision for tremendous opportunity,” says Allegiant President John Redmond in a statement. “We look forward to working with TSSP to develop a premier leisure destination that brings great value, world-class facilities and innovative service to our customers, brings jobs and economic opportunity to the region, and supports the evolution of Allegiant as a multi-faceted leisure travel company.”

Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor is near Punta Gorda Airport, where Allegiant Air served more than 1.5 million passengers in 2018. Phase I of the resort is expected to include some 510 hotel rooms, 189 extended-stay suite units and meeting and conference space as well as restaurants, bars and retail outlets along the harbor.

Founded in 1992, TPG has approximately $103 billion of assets under management across a range of asset classes including private equity, growth venture, real estate, credit and public equity.

https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/allegiant-sunseeker-resorts-partners-with-tpg-sixth-street-on-charlotte-harbor-development MARCH 29, 2019 - APRIL 4, 2019 I BUSINESS OBSERVER BusinessObserverFL.com IIIIIICI CoffeeTalk

Pledging allegiance

COURTESY Allegiant Sunseeker Resorts has received a $175 million commitment from TPG Sixth Street Partners to begin development of its inaugural property on Charlotte Harbor, an investment that could grow to a $1 billion partnership.

While local residents await progress on share a vision fortremendous oppor­ the long-anticipated inaugural Sun­ tunity," says Allegiant President John seeker Resort in Punta Gorda, Allegiant Redmond in a statement. "We look for­ Travel Co. has been laying the finan­ ward to working with TSSP to develop a cial groundwork so that it can begin premier leisure destination that brings actually laying the groundwork forthe great value, world-class facilities and project. innovative service to our customers, Allegiant and its Sunseeker Resorts brings jobs and economic opportunity division has formed a strategic agree­ to the region, and supports the evolu­ ment with global financeand invest­ tion of Allegiant as a multi-faceted ment firmTPG Sixth Street Partners for leisure travel company." as much as a $1 billion partnership. Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor TPG Sixth Street has committed $175 is near Punta Gorda Airport, where million in initial funding forconstruc­ Allegiant Air served more than 1.5 mil­ tion of the firsthotel development lion passengers in 2018. Phase I of the under Allegiant's Sunseeker Resorts resort is expected to include some 510 brand. That could lead to a partner­ hotel rooms, 189 extended-stay suite ship to develop the Sunseeker Resorts units and meeting and conference imprint and future phases of Sunseeker space as well as restaurants, bars and Resorts Charlotte Harbor or additional retail outlets along the harbor. ·oint ventures. Founded in 1992, TPG has approxi­ "We are so pleased to partner with mately $103 billion of assets under TSSP, not only forstrategic capital management across a range of as- to construct our inaugural resort on set classes including private equity, Charlotte Harbor, but also to develop growth venture, real estate, credit and the Sunseeker Resorts brand where we public equity. Out-of-Market Press Coverage

4-Mar-2019 4:41 PM TSA to hold tem porary enrolment centre for TSA Pre✓ a t Punta Gorda Charlotte County Airport CAPA New s Briefs

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https://centreforaviation.com/news/tsa-to-hold-temporary-enrolment-centre-for-tsa-pre-at-punta-gorda-charlotte-county-airport-884254

Allegiant Travel (ALGT), TPG Sixth Street Partners Announce Up To $1 Billion Partnership to Develop Sunseeker Resorts Imprint

March 18, 2019 10:28 AM EDT

Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) and TPG Sixth Street Partners (TSSP), the global finance and investment firm in a strategic partnership with TPG, today announced an agreement to finance the development of Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor, the company's planned resort in the Charlotte County / Punta Gorda area in southwest Florida. Under the agreement, TSSP has committed $175 million in initial funding to support construction of this inaugural hotel development under Allegiant's Sunseeker Resorts brand. This initial commitment represents the first piece of a long-term, potential $1 billion partnership to develop the Sunseeker Resorts imprint, and will provide opportunities to develop future phases for Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor, additional properties or related ventures at the discretion of both companies.

Located near the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), a base of operations for Allegiant Air which served more than 1.5 million passengers in 2018, Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor will be the largest and most unique resort in the region. Phase I of the resort is anticipated to include an estimated 510 hotel rooms, 189 extended-stay suite units, meeting and conference space, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars and retail outlets along a scenic harbor walk. In addition to its service to Punta Gorda, Allegiant Air currently operates flights from nearby St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – all within a two-hour drive of Charlotte Harbor. In total, Allegiant Air currently moves nearly 8 million leisure travelers in and out of Florida every year. This nexus between air transportation and hospitality will afford easy access to the resort location, while capitalizing on the direct-to-customer sales model which has been Allegiant's hallmark in its success as an industry-leading, low-cost airline with a unique focus on leisure travel.

"We are so pleased to partner with TSSP – not only for strategic capital to construct our inaugural resort in Charlotte Harbor, but also to develop the Sunseeker Resorts brand, where we share a vision for tremendous opportunity in the future," said John Redmond, president, Allegiant Travel Company. "We look forward to working with TSSP to develop a premier leisure destination that brings great value, world-class facilities and innovative service to our customers, brings jobs and economic opportunity to the region, and supports the evolution of Allegiant as a multi-faceted leisure travel company."

"Allegiant manages a highly-profitable, cost-efficient operation that has been at the cutting edge of developing new markets and offering ancillary leisure services since its founding nearly two decades ago," said Clint Kollar, a TSSP partner. "We are pleased to be financing the introduction of a unique resort brand that integrates the strength of a proven airline operation with a tremendous existing customer base and a highly successful direct-sales model. The seasoned team of hospitality industry and large-scale development veterans Sunseeker has attracted to this project is another indication of how innovative and special this brand can be. We look forward to a successful partnership in supporting the Sunseeker brand over the coming years."

Goldman Sachs acted as sole financial advisor in this transaction.

https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Allegiant+Travel+%28ALGT%29%2C+TPG+Sixth+Street+Partners+Announce+Up+To+%241+Bil lion+Partnership+to+Develop+Sunseeker+Resorts+Imprint/15268275.html

Allegiant, TSSP Enter into Potential $1B Development Deal for Sunseeker

BY HOTEL BUSINESS ON MARCH 19, 2019INDUSTRY

LAS VEGAS—Allegiant Travel Company and TPG Sixth Street Partners (TSSP), the global finance and investment firm in a strategic partnership with TPG, have entered into an agreement to finance the development of Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor, the company’s planned resort in the Charlotte County/Punta Gorda area in southwest Florida.

Under the agreement, TSSP has committed $175 million in initial funding to support construction of this inaugural hotel development under Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts brand. This initial commitment represents the first piece of a long-term, potential $1-billion partnership to develop the Sunseeker Resorts imprint, and will provide opportunities to develop future phases for Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor, additional properties or related ventures at the discretion of both companies.

Located near the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), a base of operations for Allegiant Air that served more than 1.5 million passengers in 2018, Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor will be the largest resort in the region. Phase I of the resort is anticipated to include an estimated 510 hotel rooms, 189 extended-stay suite units, meeting and conference space, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars and retail outlets along a scenic harbor walk.

In addition to its service to Punta Gorda, Allegiant Air currently operates flights from nearby St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)—all within a two-hour drive of Charlotte Harbor. In total, Allegiant Air currently moves nearly eight million leisure travelers in and out of Florida every year. This nexus between air transportation and hospitality will afford easy access to the resort location, while capitalizing on the direct-to-customer sales model which has been Allegiant’s hallmark as a low-cost airline with a focus on leisure travel, the company reports.

“Allegiant manages a highly profitable, cost-efficient operation that has been at the cutting edge of developing new markets and offering ancillary leisure services since its founding nearly two decades ago,” said Clint Kollar, a TSSP partner. “We are pleased to be financing the introduction of a unique resort brand that integrates the strength of a proven airline operation with a tremendous existing customer base and a highly successful direct-sales model. The seasoned team of hospitality industry and large-scale development veterans Sunseeker has attracted to this project is another indication of how innovative and special this brand can be. We look forward to a successful partnership in supporting the Sunseeker brand over the coming years.”

Goldman Sachs acted as sole financial advisor in this transaction. https://www.hotelbusiness.com/allegiant-tssp-enter-into-potential-1b-development-deal-for-sunseeker/

Allegiant now Largest Airline at Flint Bishop International Airport Bishop International Airport (FNT) M ARCH 25, 2019

Ultra-low fares to Florida are riding high at Flint’s Bishop International Airport as Allegiant, who flies to four sunny destinations in the state, becomes the airport’s largest carrier serving 41.70 percent of our February passengers. Delta, the next largest carrier, served 31.70 percent, American was 13 percent, and United came in at 12.96 percent. Allegiant currently flies nonstop to

Tampa/St. Pete; Orlando/Sanford; Fort Myers/Punta Gorda and flies seasonally to Ft. Lauderdale.

Allegiant first took off from Flint Bishop Airport on April 13, 2016, and by year-end November 2016 had served 38,500 passengers. Just two years later, a total of 162,000 passengers took flight with Allegiant, an increase of 179 percent. Airport

Director, Craig Williams, “their growth in our market has been incredible. It is rare to see triple digit growth from an airline in such a short period of time. It is a testament to the commitment of the airline to our community, and our community to Allegiant and this airport.”

Las Vegas-based Allegiant is focused on linking travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations. The airline offers industry-low fares on an all-jet fleet while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms and rental cars. All can be purchased only through the company website, Allegiant.com. Beginning with one aircraft and one route in 1999, the company has grown to more than 75 aircraft and 300 routes across the country with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF.

Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) is “Not the only way to fly. Just a better one”. Flint guarantees you all of the destination options of a larger airport, while flying from the comfort of a relaxing and beautiful facility. Flint features all-jet service, with flights provided by Allegiant, American, Delta and United. Our airlines provide many nonstop flights to popular destinations across the country that will also connect you around the world, usually in one stop or less. For reservations and flight information from Flint, visit our website at bishopairport.org

https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/press-release/21073310/bishop-international-airport-fnt-allegiant-now-largest-airline-at-flint-bishop- international-airport

ASHLEY SCHAFER | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 Allegiant ranks as Bishop Airport's No. 1 airline

FLINT, Michigan — Allegiant is now officially the largest airline at Flint Bishop International Airport.

With four nonstop flight options to Florida destinations — Tampa/St. Pete, Orlando/Sanford, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, and Ft. Lauderdale — Allegiant become the airport’s largest carrier serving 41.7 percent of the airport’s February passengers.

Delta, the next largest carrier, served 31.7 percent, while American served 13%, and United came in just a hair under 13 percent.

Between it’s first departure on April 13, 2016 and November of that same year, Allegiant had served 38,500 passengers. Two years later, a total of 162,000 passengers have flown with Allegiant — an increase of 179 percent.

“Their growth in our market has been incredible,” Airport Director Craig Williams said. “It is rare to see triple digit growth from an airline in such a short period of time. It is a testament to the commitment of the airline to our community, and our community to Allegiant and this airport.”

Next month, United Airlines is planning to add additional service from Flint to O’Hare.

Bishop Airport remains the third largest in Michigan, serving more than 700,000 passengers in 2018, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

http://www.flintside.com/inthenews/allegiantranksasBishopAirportstopairline.aspx ASHEVILLE — Somewhere, there's a wish list of destinations. Airport officials won't tip their hand about which cities are on it, they say for competitive reasons. But every so often and more frequently of late, they'll call it out when a new flight from Asheville is heading somewhere most desirable.

Just in the last year, Washington, Dallas and routes have been on the list. Roughly the same period also brought new service to Philadelphia, New York City, Detroit and three new Florida destinations.

And it's hardly an accident. Like the city that shares its name, the Asheville Regional Airport is expanding its profile, a result attributed to increased attraction to the region's natural assets and industry, as well as targeted tourism marketing efforts.

What's come of it is a 67 percent increase in passenger service in the past five years, making it one of the fastest- growing airports in the country. Last year, after 58 years, it crossed the million-passenger mark.

The airport also puts a lot of lines in the water, said airport spokeswoman Tina Kinsey.

"(We want) to understand what the business travelers need and what — from a tourism perspective — makes sense for our region," Kinsey said in a March 14 interview. "This is not throwing darts at a dart board of a map.

"A lot of the new routes, we have have checked a lot of the boxes on a wish list."

But with growth comes growing pains.

Asheville's airport in the coming years needs to double its 113,000-square-foot terminal to meet current and future needs of the travelers and airlines it serves, officials said. And that comes at a cost: Early estimates place the project between $150 million and $200 million — far more than Project SOAR, a five-year, $75 million effort to construct a new runway with airfield lighting that wraps this year.

Ahead is a financing hurdle that Lew Bleiweis, the airport's executive director, hopes to clear by pushing to raise the federal cap on airport upgrade fees by 89 percent to $8.50. The difference roughly doubles the revenue the airport receives from passenger facility charges, which are remitted by airlines for the maintenance of airports.

Bleiweis said the airport and its managing body, the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, would use the additional funding to pay down millions of expected principal and interest payments each year for the terminal expansion, which they said they believe is a needed asset.

"Hopefully we’ll be able to get there," he said. "Right now, in doing rough math we’ve done internally, we’re about $2 million to $3 million short to be able to make that revenue or debt service payment.

"By raising the (passenger facility charges), it takes care of that gap and we can afford to move forward with our terminal project."

Dollars and sense

Asheville's airport is far from alone in its capital project needs.

A report last month by Airports Council International-North America, a trade association representing commercial service airports, found U.S. airports require more than $128 billion in infrastructure upgrades by 2023. Terminal projects make up the largest share — some 56 percent — of the needs of all airports in the next four years.

North Carolina's 11 commercial service airports have $4.2 billion in infrastructure needs in the same time period, with the potential to create about 91,000 new jobs, the report shows. But the report also calls out budget shortfalls related to PFCs, a fee tacked onto the cost of a commercial airline ticket that is capped at $4.50 per flight segment. Airports with a PFC program are able to use the funding on "projects that enhance safety, security, or capacity; reduce noise; or increase air carrier competition," per the Federal Aviation Administration.

The problem? That funding is constrained at airports like Asheville's until 2024. At the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, it's tied up until 2031.

"Modestly adjusting the outdated federal cap on local PFCs would allow airports to take control of their own investment decisions and become more financially self-sufficient," the report reads.

In the current fiscal year, the Asheville airport's average monthly revenue is about $914,559 and its expenses average out to $801,411. It draws annual operating revenues from terminal space rentals, parking and concessions, among others.

Of nonoperating revenue, it primarily takes in both PFCs — for which it has budgeted $1.85 million annually — and customer facility charges, a fee imposed on rental car users.

The airport's budget office projects a deficit in its cash balance in June 2020, the result of which is related to "projected expenditures for the terminal rehabilitation and expansion," by that time in the amount of $25 million. That is mostly the result of the airport not yet confirming its funding sources for the project, though it is anticipating a mix of bonds as well as state and federal grants.

What the airport is experiencing is fairly common, said Pamella Seay, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and chairman of the Charlotte County Airport Authority, which manages the Punta Gorda Airport in Florida.

Seay, who teaches airport law, said the Asheville airport, like Punta Gorda, is in a "good position" because it's a growth market that caters well to tourists. For reference, Punta Gorda drew 1.57 million passengers in 2018 — up 22 percent from the previous year — to Asheville's 1.12 million passengers.

All of the Florida airport's passengers come from Allegiant Airlines flights, whereas Asheville hosts six carriers: Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Elite Airways, Spirit and United.

But Seay notes that keeping a growing airport on the up and up can be a "challenge," and her airport has responded by being "very conservative" in its spending. That may be something for Asheville to consider as well, she said.

"Asheville is big and growing exponentially, which is great," she said. "You need to be careful about spending too much money too fast and certainly be careful not to get into debt. No matter stable your airlines might be, they may not be there forever."

'When you're home, you're home'

To raise the passenger facility charge, it takes an act of Congress. Bleiweis said he's had discussions with Reps. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, and Rick Larsen, D-Washington, both of whom sit on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and support raising the fee.

In a March 26 hearing, DeFazio said raising the fee "supports local decisions about what is best for airports and their surrounding communities." He also blasted major commercial airlines, which historically have opposed the increase on the basis that increasing the fee would lower the demand for air travel.

It has not been raised since jumping to the $4.50 cap in 2000.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved in 2017 a bipartisan proposal to raise the cap to $8.50, but it went no further.

"We need more terminals, more runways and taxiways," DeFazio said. "And without an increase in the PFC, who bears the brunt? Passengers. They end up paying basically double for a project and wait years longer than necessary for project completion."

The impact of raising the fee could discourage casual travelers — particularly those using low-cost options like Spirit or Southwest Airlines — from flying nearly as often, Seay said. But it's not the only fee increasing for travelers. In 2018, several airlines including American, Delta and United raised checked baggage fees, a rise DeFazio said airlines disregard when discussing the law of supply and demand. But Seay said it's still worth considering.

"Business travelers are not going to care one way or the other," she said. "Where it’s going to hit the pocketbook is the casual, tourist traveler. Those are the ones that fly into Asheville. Those are the ones that fly into my little airport. Those are the ones that fly into Rockford and some of the smaller airports around."

The airport plans to start construction on the terminal expansion in mid-to-late 2021, Bleiweis said. It is expected to be a roughly four-year project that officials argue would be beneficial to the community for years to come. In the near future, the airport plans to add comment boards in the terminal for passengers to add input on how the expansion should go.

"We need our community to continue to use our airport and think of us first," he said. "I like to say when you're home, you're home. It's easy to fly out of another airport when you're leaving; it's coming home — you fly, you land, you're tired — and to be 15 minutes from home is nice.

"We just want to be able to provide to the community what they're looking for."

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2019/03/28/asheville-airport-officials-want-to-double-its-terminal- size/3261690002/