What’s New At SRQ
When we have friends or family flying in to experience Florida in all of its glory, the stakes are high to make sure everyone involved has a wonderful time. After all, finding affordable flights, taking time away from work, packing up the kids and all their necessities, and actually getting to Florida can be a real feat. So, once they are here, the landing gear is down, and guests depart the airplane and step foot into our local airports; an easy experience and first appearances mean everything.
One of the most iconic photos circling social media is that of the 21-foot flamingo at Tampa International Airport. Nothing speaks “Florida” like a giant pink flamingo greeting you into the main terminal. Miami International Airport is now displaying “Harmonic Convergence,” a wall of giant diamond-shaped colors that could mimic a Florida sunset with a myriad of colors. For good measure, they have tropical music and sounds piped in the background. At our own SRQ (Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport) displays highlighting Mote Marine, Ringling and our famous beaches remind people they have definitely landed in the best little city there is. The modern, airy design of SRQ with the tropical décor and images of Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas depict just how special our area is.
SRQ has been making traveling easy for locals and tourists since 1989. Over the years, a steady addition of airlines has added to the SRQ family making arriving in SWFL easier than ever. Delta, United, American and a host of smaller airlines including JetBlue, Allegiant, Frontier, and others are making Sarasota not only attractive for visitors but for corporate residents who need to fly in and out of town frequently for work. For anyone who has dropped off, picked up, or flown out of SRQ, they know it is not a labor-intensive excursion. Parking lots are walkable and not terribly priced, and gates are situated in close proximity together. It is much easier than having to fly out of Tampa International or even Fort Myers. Once out of the airport and onto University Boulevard, travelers are centrally located to restaurants, hotels, malls, tourist sites and of course, the beach.
New at SRQ for 2025 is the recently opened Concourse A with five ground-level gates sponsored by Allegiant Air. Over a million travelers are expected to make their way through Concourse A in 2025. Along with Concourses A and B, Concourse C is also slated to open sometime in the future. Two local restaurants, Patrick’s Patricks 1481and Anna Maria Oyster Bar Anna Maria Oyster Bar – Bradenton, FL Restaurant | Seafood & More have also opened up in Concourse A at SRQ offering travelers a taste of upscale, fresh Sarasota eating. The original Patrick’s opened in 1985 in the old Kress Building and is still operating at 1481 Main Street. Anna Maria Oyster Bar operates six other locations in addition to the restaurant at SRQ. Other locations include Cortez, Sarasota, Bridge Street Pier, Ellenton, UTC and North Port.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport will be looking for a new leader as well, as current President and Chief Executive Officer, Fredrick Piccolo, will retire in 2025. A new president of SRQ is hoped to be in place by summer. For more information about SRQ please visit SRQ Sarasota Bradenton International Airport | Fly SRQ.
Photos courtesy of SRQ Facebook page.