News and Events

ArtPort Gallery Presents Graceful Warriors: Paintings by Annie S. Harris

The Council on Culture and Arts (COCA), in conjunction with the City of Tallahassee's Art in Public Places Program, presents "Graceful Warriors: Paintings by Annie S. Harris" at the Tallahassee Regional Airport's ArtPort Gallery July 18 Γ?? September 10, 2012. Annie S. Harris's paintings are homage to what is good and strong in all of us. She has a deep respect for people, from all walks of life, and their unique ability to rise above adversity. While her main medium is acrylic paint, Harris often selects unconventional surfaces to paint on, including glass, driftwood, tin and even cardboard. Her art comes from her ability to see things as what they can be, rather than what they are. Harris often chooses to omit eyes and faces in her artwork, encouraging viewers to see aspects of them reflected in the paintings. She shows us that we can gain strength through our common bonds and lift each other up to overcome our struggles. The ArtPort Gallery is located in the Tallahassee Regional Airport, 3300 Capital Circle SW, and is open daily from 8:00 am until 11:30 pm. All exhibits in this space are free and open to the public. This exhibit is one of twelve (12) annual exhibitions curated by the Council on Culture & Arts. The exhibit is part of the City of Tallahassee's Art in Public Places program.

For more information about this exhibition or upcoming exhibitions contact Amanda Karioth Thompson at (850) 224-2500 or Amanda@cocanet.org.

For a schedule of other exhibitions and arts and culture programs throughout north Florida, visit www.morethanyouthought.com.

Learn more about COCA and sign up to receive COCA's weekly e-mail blast at www.cocanet.org.

Airport Receives Federal Safety Award

The Tallahassee Regional Airport is pleased to announce that it has received an award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its participation in the FAA's Safety Management System (SMS) Implementation Study. The Tallahassee Regional Airport was one of only 14 airports in the United States selected for participation in this pilot program, which utilized federal Airport Improvement Program funds.

SMS is a process which enables airports to detect, evaluate and correct safety deficiencies before they contribute to aircraft incidents or accidents. The intent of this Implementation Study was to help the FAA evaluate how airports can implement the SMS components of Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance throughout their airfield environment. Results of the Implementation Study will directly assist the FAA in the development of regulations, standards and guidance related to SMS for airports throughout the nation in the near future.

"Being recognized for our participation in this federal Implementation Study demonstrates the nationally recognized commitment of our Airport staff and tenants to operate a safe, secure, efficient and customer friendly airport," said Sunil Harman, director of Aviation.

Tallahassee Airport to Begin Construction of Runway Projects

Next week, the Tallahassee Regional Airport will begin a massive $43 million construction project to enhance the safety and operational capacity of its runways. The project is expected to create or maintain 160 construction jobs as both runways, north-south runway 18-36 and east-west runway 9 -27, will be reconstructed. The project will be done in two phases to ensure continuous commercial and general aviation operation.

The first phase, which will begin on January 20, will include the lengthening of runway 18-36 from 6,070 feet to 7,000 feet requiring the runway to be closed for a period of 10 - 11 months. Additional construction will include pavement rehabilitation and relocation of ground based navigation systems. Lengthening of runway 18-36 must first take place to accommodate the current and anticipated fleet of airplanes while the airport's primary runway 9-27 is closed for 15 months for reconstruction to meet new design standards.

"While this is a needed project to comply with certification standards, its implementation has been carefully phased to maintain our level of service and when completed will result in the most operationally efficient airfield system for our customers," said director of Aviation, Sunil Harman.

Due to the extreme variability in weather during this time of year consisting of low temperatures and morning fog, construction crews will perform operationally critical work in the runways safety areas during a weekend closure period of 11 p.m. on Friday, January 20, to 6 a.m. on Monday, January 23. During this time, flights could potentially be delayed or diverted to other airports should some unanticipated weather or condition resulting from construction occurs.

The second phase of construction, which will begin in late 2012, will include the total reconstruction of runway 19-27 to correct design deficiencies in the runway's longitudinal profile which obstruct line-of-sight.

"The runway lengthening and restoration project is another step to attracting more flights and destinations," said City Commissioner Gil Ziffer, lead commissioner on airport issues. "As we ask the airlines to invest in our airport with more flights we need to show them were investing in our airport as well."

This project is mandated and primarily funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at 95 percent with the remaining 5 percent funded by Florida Department of Transportation and the Airport's capital funds.

Airport Installs Solar Energy System

As part of an on-going sustainability initiative to promote green technologies and reduce operating costs, the Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) announced today the installation of a 25,344 watt roof mounted solar photovoltaic system in the main terminal. The project will generate up to 20 kilowatts of AC power and was initiated as part of the airport's water intrusion project.

"The installation of the solar panel at the airport demonstrates the City's determination to reduce dependence on fossil fuels," said City Commissioner Nancy Miller, the lead commissioner on the Environmental and Energy Resources Target Issue Committee. "The airport management is to be commended for their efforts to cut energy costs and increase energy efficiency."

When flying into the airport, passengers will see 176 photovoltaic laminate solar panels (144 watts each) neatly affixed atop the northeast side of the terminal. The solar project is expected to generate an annual energy saving of 34,823 kilowatt hours and save approximately 28 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The system was designed and engineered by RS&H, and constructed by Renitta Knight Construction, LLC with Simpler Solar Systems providing recommended technical improvements to the system and Sperry and Associates along with Bass Electric were responsible for all permitting that was required for this pilot project.

Visitors to the main terminal are invited to visit the solar display cabinet located in the baggage claim area to watch system activity and monitor production and performance of the system in real time. Online monitoring of the system is also available by visiting the Selectria Renewables website.

"Our airport needs to be as cost effective and energy efficient as possible, and the solar installation is an initial step toward achieving that goal," said Sunil Harman, director of Aviation. "We continue to evaluate other cost-cutting energy efficiency projects that support the City's sustainability program."

Tallahassee Regional Airport Receives Stellar Ratings on Federal Inspections

Airport Receives no Citations from TSA and FAA - Exemplary performance by the Tallahassee Regional Airport's operations and maintenance units has allowed it to receive the highest possible acclaim during recent federal inspections. Both the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed inspections August 22-26, with the Airport receiving no citations from either agency. As a result of these inspections, the TSA and FAA both confirmed that the Airport continues to meet standards necessary to maintain its federal Airport Operating Certificate.

Last week, inspectors from the TSA reviewed several aspects of the Airport's overall security posture as part of a periodic Special Emphasis Inspection. Additionally, an inspector with the FAA conducted the Airport's annual Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 Airport Certification Inspection. Each year the FAA inspects every commercial service airport over a two to three day period. Airport safety, training, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), airfield pavement conditions, marking, lighting and signs standards, various emergency management and inspection documentation issues are examined. With such intensive inspections, it is rare that no citations are discovered.

The FAA inspector described Tallahassee Regional Airport's operational readiness as "outstanding." He noted that the Airport is well-maintained and managed, and the staff was extremely professional. Additionally, due to the outstanding manner in which all certification requirements are being met, the Airport is being nominated for the Medallion Award, an annual safety award given by the FAA Southern Region Airports Office.

"Special thanks go to our very capable operations and maintenance staff who assisted in preparations for these inspections and their continuing vigilance ensuring that Tallahassee Regional Airport is operationally ready at all times. This demonstrates the Airport's commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service, safety and security for all passengers and visitors," said Sunil Harman, director of Aviation.

Tallahassee Regional Airport Wins Statewide Environmental Award

The City of Tallahassee Aviation Department today announced the receipt of a statewide environmental award. Tallahassee Regional Airport was selected as recipient of the Florida Airports Council (FAC) Environmental Excellence Award. The award was presented earlier this month at the FAC Annual Conference.

In keeping with the environmental theme, the award presented was manufactured using recycled glass. The FAC annually selects its Environmental Excellence Award recipient from applications submitted by airports throughout Florida. This year's award recognized Tallahassee Regional Airport for the use of Sustainable Construction Practices in the rehabilitation of its North General Aviation Apron.

This project consisted of removing existing pavement from the North General Aviation Apron area and replacing it with new asphalt. Materials for the project were obtained from the in-place recycling of concrete from the existing apron. These materials were then used as the base for the new asphalt, significantly reducing the amount of time and funding spent on the project. This sustainable practice mitigated the impact of greenhouse emissions that would have been expended through increased concrete demolition, transport and landfill disposal, had this conservation strategy not been employed.

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. was the engineer for the project and C. W. Roberts, Inc. of Tallahassee was the construction contractor. The total cost of the North General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation Project was approximately $3.25 million.

"We applaud the Tallahassee Regional Airport on its use of sustainable practices in their construction program," said Clara Bennett, FAC President. "The use of sustainable practices during construction both enhanced the Airport and preserved natural resources for us and our posterity."

Airport's Regional Economic Impact Provides $377.3 Million Annually

The Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) generates more than $377 million annually in total impact for the local economy, according to the results of a comprehensive study of the economic impacts of aviation in Florida. The study, conducted by Wilbur Smith Associates on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), indicates the Airport's economic activity supports over 3,960 jobs with a total annual payroll of $122,355,200. This study quantifies the value of the economic benefits generated at airports throughout Florida, both individually and collectively. The study is available online at www.dot.state.fl.us/aviation.

To support economic development efforts, the Airport also participates in the City's Fast Track Program, established to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs. The program also developed a streamlined process facilitating the construction of needed public sector projects. TLH has nine projects that have been accelerated under the Fast Track Program, five of which have already been completed including terminal and ground improvements, including enhancements to Capital Circle SW and general aviation access roads, terminal building signage improvements and upcoming improvements to terminal parking areas. These nine projects are collectively estimated to cost $12.2 million and create approximately 270 jobs.

TLH serves a mix of personal, leisure, and business-related travel. Approximately 800,000 commercial passengers flow through the Airport each year with more than 45 percent being visitors to Florida whose spending also helps contribute to the Airport's economic impact.

Tallahassee Regional Airport provides commercial air operations for a market service area within a 100-mile radius, including 32 counties in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. The Airport also facilitates general aviation services for business and individual customers. TLH is positioned for continued expansion, including terminal building, runway improvement and apron enhancements.

Commercial air carrier services available in the Tallahassee market include American Airlines/American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines/Gulfstream and US Airways Express.