News
Talk about a pending $20 million renovation of the main terminal at Tampa International Airport on Thursday sparked an old complaint:
Why can't the airport tell visitors about Tampa?
"It's hard to tell you're in Tampa when you're in the airport,'' said Steve Burton, a member of the airport's governing board. "We should use this opportunity to sell our city.''
Airport staffers already are kicking around ideas. Conceptual sketches displayed for the board showed lots of video displays — wall-size screens at baggage claim and living-room style screens at "comfort zone'' lounges on the third-floor transfer level.
Some of the images will be paid ads. But videos also will pitch Tampa attractions and the area's climate. Tourist information kiosks could be stationed at baggage claim. Visitors riding shuttles to the main terminal might hear a recorded welcome from Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
"We're really looking at ways to get our product out there,'' said airport CEO Joe Lopano.
That also means food and drink with a Tampa flavor. Staffers are talking with concessions contractor HMS Host to bring a restaurant with local cuisine to TIA.
That might be harder than it sounds. Prodded by former Mayor Pam Iorio and the board, a HMS Host vice president and airport staff promised in 2007 to look for a local retailer willing to open shop at TIA. The best they could do was persuade an airport retailer to stock items from the Columbia Restaurant's gift shop.
"They didn't have a lot of success,'' said Diane Vercelli, director of properties. "It's still on our agenda.''
On Thursday, board members took a first step in the main terminal renovation by hiring Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum to develop design standards and a "distinct vision'' for the terminal's interior. The firm will be paid nearly $240,000.
Construction is scheduled to begin early next year and be completed in fall 2013.
Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3384.
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