A jolting change ahead for Tampa International passengers

TAMPA — In what could be the most contentious point in the airport's nearly $1 billion renovation, Tampa International Airport in October will spend about 14 days without a key part of its main terminal this fall, potentially throwing travelers into a tailspin of confusion and fear.

That's right, caffeine-needy travelers.

Starbucks will be closed for business.

"There will be a two-week gap between the old and the new," said Christopher Minner, the airport's vice president of marketing.

There will still be a Starbucks open at each airside, and the location on the first floor next to the Southwest baggage claim will remain open.

As for the main terminal: For those who just checked in for their flights, or are waiting to pick someone up and can't maneuver to the first floor, Minner said that travelers can get their fix at Chick-fil-A, Qdoba and Wendy's, which will be open in the new food court area.

When the Seattle-based chain reopens, it will be rebranded as Starbucks Evenings — serving wine, beer and "sharable small plates" in addition to coffee and tea.

The time line was announced at the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board meeting Thursday morning.

During the meeting, the authority also approved the capital and operating budget for its 2017 fiscal year. Airport officials anticipate a 1.9 percent boost in revenue from this year to $215.1 million and operating expenses of $122.3 million, $8.1 million more than the 2016 budget.

The airport plans to add 12 positions "primarily to support new safety and security requirements" and to help handle any growth generated from the renovation. The airport expects to handle 19.3 million passengers in the next fiscal year, up 1.6 percent from this year.

Board members plan to discuss the status of airport CEO Joe Lopano's contract at next month's meeting.

Contact Alli Knothe at aknothe@tampabay.com. Follow @KnotheA.