by David Chapman, Staff Writer

Todd Lindner, the authority’s administrator of planning and development, presented the figures Monday to the JAA board as part of a Cecil Spaceport master plan presentation.

The plan originated in April 2011.

According to a plan update, a market share summary study by Futron Corp. for 2021-25 said that nationwide there could be 13,000-25,000 annual space tourists generating revenue of $676 million-$1.26 billion.

Cecil Spaceport could support a 10 percent market share with about 250 annual launches that draw 1,300-2,500 participants and generate revenue of $67.6 million-$126 million to vendors.

In the space tourism industry, orbital flights cost between $20 million to $30 million while suborbital flights are $100,000-$200,000.

Lindner said that Jacksonville and Cecil Spaceport have a projected competitive advantage because of location and proximity to federal spaceports.

Other commercial spaceports in California, Virginia and New Mexico are close to federal spaceports and compete among each other for federal funds and launch approvals, Lindner said.

Cecil Spaceport is the closest to a city that could provide additional amenities for space tourists, he said.

Cecil Spaceport’s only weakness was the lack of an agreement with a vehicle developer. Strengths included the existing infrastructure, tourism potential and the technical workforce.

Among the recommendations are development of a visitor’s center, taxiways, approach roads and the revision of an environmental assessment.

dchapman@baileypub.com,

356-2466

Dee Registre
1/27/12

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- We have been lifting off into the final frontier for years. But soon space travel will be happening here in North Florida.

"When you see these vehicles in the air, you can't tell the difference between them and a regular airplane," said Todd Linder, JAA senior-aviation planning and spaceport development.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority was just awarded a grant that could eventually bring the latest space craft to Cecil Field.
Only this time you won't need a launch pad, just a runway.

"They take of just like an airplane, fly like an airplane, but they propel with a rocket," said Linder.

JAA Will spend the next six months making sure a space craft called "Concept Y" is safe on the environment before it can be flown here. "This means more jobs, high-paying jobs, high tech jobs coming to the area."

The first space flights out of Cecil Field will probably be to conduct experiments. But JAA says eventually it will be for transportation.

"As we go forward in the future, there will be more competition and the price will come down. And eventually everyone will be able to fly," said Linder

The first flight into space from Cecil Field could happen in the next year. Cecil Field is one of only 12 air spaces approved for space travel in the U.S.

Source: http://bit.ly/IBwnMe

April 19, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A signature from Governor Rick Scott will help Cecil Airport compete in the new era of space exploration.

The governor signed the Spaceport Territory Bill into law.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority says the law will help strengthen Cecil Airport's ability to compete as a commercial horizontal launch spaceport.

The law makes Cecil Airport part of Space Florida's master planning effort. It also makes Cecil Airport eligible for infrastructure improvements that will ultimately allow Florida to compete for business associated with spaceflight industries.

Cecil Airport is one of eight commercial spaceports in the United States licensed for horizontal launch capabilities, and the only one in Florida.

"Ensuring Florida remain a global leader in spaceflight activity is a top priority for th Florida Chamber," said Ryan West, Director of Talent and Innovation Policy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. "A vibrant space and aerospace industry are essential for generating reemployment opportunities for displaced shuttle program workers."

Source: http://bit.ly/Jat001

Jacksonville Business Journal
by Sarah Mueller, Reporter
Friday, April 20, 2012

One of Barbara Halverstadt’s top priorities is to convince an airline to add a direct flight from Jacksonville International Airport to Los Angeles. “We want to make sure that airlines understand what we have to offer,” said Halverstadt, manager of development and marketing for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.

Starting or cancelling a flight is dependent on several factors, including passenger demand for a flight and the potential for profit, one airline executive said. Direct services to Puerto Rico and Denver from the Jacksonville International Airport has started in past year by JetBlue Airways Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co. after JAA made the case to the airlines. A key factor is the cooperation and support from the corresponding city that JAA is working to get service to, but airline executives say the success of any flight depends on the number of people willing to pay for it.

“These days we’re just happy when someone wants to fly us,” said American Airlines Spokesman Ed Martelle.

‘Speed dating for airlines’

Support from top city officials can help Jacksonville make the case for a new flight. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa supports the effort for a direct flight between the two cities, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown said recently.

“He said, ‘Your airport needs these direct flights to [Los Angeles International Airport],’ ” Brown said.
Support from city officials in San Juan, Puerto Rico, helped the aviation authority persuade JetBlue to add a daily flight from Jacksonville. Before the Jacksonville flight to San Juan, Jacksonville business executives going to Puerto Rico would have to drive to Orlando to catch a flight.

JetBlue undergoes a thorough process to ensure a new destination or route will be sustainable for the long-term, a March JetBlue blog said. Halverstadt meets with airline representatives, route planners and attends networking events about a dozen times a year.

“It’s like speed-dating for airlines,” Halverstadt said.

The airline industry is plagued with overcapacity, which has contributed to consolidation, Martelle said. United Air Lines Inc.’s merger with Continental Airlines two years ago created United Continental Holdings Inc. and has garnered mixed reviews. Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways merged in 2011.

There are more seats right now than passengers on many flights, so airlines want to add routes where they can fill as many seats as possible to cover operating costs, including fuel.

“We expect that it will start slow and build over time,” Martelle said.

If a market doesn’t materialize, the route will likely be dropped. American Airlines operates several flights between Dallas and Jacksonville several times a day, but it canceled flights from Los Angeles to Boise, Idaho, due to lack of demand.

Martelle couldn’t narrow down the time frame for evaluating a route’s performance, but said the airline is always monitoring ticket sales even before service begins to make sure it matches set benchmarks.
“We need to maximize every flight,” Martelle said.

Vetting a new route

The JAA can capture data about passengers who fly in and out of the airport, but not Jacksonville travelers who don’t use JIA. JIA offers 27 nonstop markets daily, including to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Baltimore; Las Vegas; and Detroit. Direct flights go to all the major airports including New York and Washington, D.C. Jacksonville also includes flights to major hubs, including Atlanta, Chicago and Miami.

AirTran said in November 2011 that it will stop offering service in several cities in June including Knoxville, Tenn.; Normal, Ill.; Charleston, W.Va.; Miami; and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.

JetBlue said its process is to create a forecast based on U.S. Department of Transportation traffic data, the number of passengers who travel the route each day and an analysis of existing fares and service. The airline calculates payload capacity on each route based on competition at each airport and also gets input from local crewmembers on regional traffic patterns. Many departments in the company have to sign off including marketing, finance, safety and security. JetBlue also gets input from local officials, airport development teams and private stakeholders.

“The airline industry is extremely competitive and we only enter markets where we are willing to fight for our share and are able to win the loyalty of more customers in the new city,” the JetBlue blog said.

The JetBlue flight to and from San Juan is successful, said Allison Steinberg, senior media analyst for JetBlue. The route seems to be popular for both leisure and business travelers, visiting friends and relatives, as well as for cargo.
“We’re extremely pleased with the success of our service between Jacksonville and San Juan and value our great relationships with the local communities at both destinations,” Steinberg said.

Jacksonville Business Journal
by Sarah Mueller, Reporter
Monday, April 16, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority welcomes a new tenant KCI Aviation to Cecil Airport on Wednesday.

JAA has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for KCI at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Aviation Avenue and Speicher Drive on April 18. Representatives from JAA, KCI, City of Jacksonville, state and economic development officials are expected to attend.

KCI, based in Bridgeport, W.Va., specializes in aircraft maintenance and repairs for corporate aircraft. The company’s expansion at Cecil is designed to grow its business in the southeast region beyond its current facilities in West Virginia and Oklahoma, a news alert said.

The new 30,000 square-foot hangar will include office, workshop and hanger space. Construction is expected to finish by March 2013.

The JAA is also moving forward on its plans to develop a Cecil Spaceport at the airport. It held its first spaceport summit in March.

Source: http://bit.ly/IRgen8

Jacksonville Business Journal
by Sarah Mueller, Reporter
Thursday, April 12, 2012

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is joining the effort to establish a direct flight from Jacksonville to LA, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown said.

The direct flight for Jacksonville International Airport was just one issue discussed by Brown and leaders from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, the Jacksonville Port Authority, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, economic development advocates and top business executives at Thursday’s quarterly meeting of the Jacksonville International Business Coalition at City Hall. Other topics included international trade, foreign investment and strong local industries.

Villaraigosa said he would help Jacksonville get a direct flight and he was serious, Brown said.

“He said, 'Your airport needs these direct flights to LAX [Los Angeles International Airport].' "

The route is one of the aviation authority’s top targets and having the LA mayor’s support will help, said Rosa Beckett, director of marketing and business development for Cecil Airport. The challenge is fuel cost.

JAA is talking to several airlines, Barbara Halverstadt, manager of development and marketing for JAA, said in an earlier interview.

Jacksonville had nonstop service to Los Angeles from Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) for nearly a year until it was dropped in December 2007 because of a lack of demand, a Delta spokeswoman said at the time.

Source: http://bit.ly/HRDIEl

April 10, 2012
William Browning

When Lynn Gibbons said she "almost cried" when she saw her son Tuesday, a family member standing nearby laughed and corrected her: "Almost cried? No, you did cry."

Gibbons' son, Sheldon Williams, was one of 25 members of the 125th Security Forces Squadron, 125th Fighter Wing, from the Florida Air National Guard that returned from Afghanistan Tuesday. They landed at Jacksonville International Airport a little before 3 p.m.

Williams, 23, was all smiles after he reunited with his family, which includes a daughter born while he was stationed overseas. Tuesday marked the first time Williams got to hold Shaliyah, who was born Dec. 6.

"It's pretty emotional. I can't even. ..." he said before trailing off.

Check out more photos of the squadron's homecoming

That was how many of the airmen felt when they walked into the airport's courtyard. A corridor made of more than a hundred people greeted them. When the airmen came around the bend in the concourse, the crowd applauded, took pictures, shook their hands and hugged them. Most were family. Some were friends, like Jason Behr, who missed two classes at the University of North Florida to see his friend Landon Paschal back home.

"I know he enjoys what he does, but it's a big sacrifice," Behr said. "We missed him."

Other members of the crowd, like Mark Frank, were simply local supporters.

"We're here just to support the whole Guard," Frank said.

Frank brought his two children — 11-year-old Wyatt and 7-year-old Natasha, both holding American flags — to help welcome the airmen back.

"I want them to realize what we're doing here, the pride we have," he said. "We're happy they're all here, alive and well."

The squadron deployed in July and was eventually stationed at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, where the men and women performed several duties providing round-the-clock, in-depth security for a base of thousands.

Tuesday was the first time they had seen their family and friends in roughly eight months.

"It sort of feels like the Super Bowl," Jason Chapman, a tech sergeant with the squadron, said of the crowd that welcomed the group. "It makes it worthwhile, knowing we were over there serving and all these people are here."

As Chapman spoke, his two children — 7-year-old Hailey and 2-year-old Cayden — circled, hugging his legs.

Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw spoke during a short ceremony following the airmen's arrival.

"We want to thank ... these airmen for answering the nation's call, for defending the nation with professionalism that everyone expected." he said. "We want to thank the families because we know you sacrifice so much to preserve the family while they are gone. We could not do this without you."

George Yeazitzis was there to welcome back his grandson, Thomas Yeazitzis. The Orange Park resident has missed him, especially during holidays, he said.

"Without Thomas, it's not the same," George said.

The family did not have big plans for the rest of the day. Thomas just wanted a quiet evening at home with loved ones.

That's the same thing Sheldon Williams wanted. The Gainesville resident planned on spending time with his family, his fiancee and two children. He also said he looked forward to a home-cooked meal. Pressed on what that would be, he held his hands up in the shape of a circle and said, "A big hamburger made with American, angus beef."

william.browning@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4619

Source: http://bit.ly/HPhcA6

April 9, 2012

The 11th annual design/build event Canstruction® is relocating to the Jacksonville International Airport for three high-volume weeks, including The PLAYERS Championship.

“We are excited about this new partnership with the Jacksonville International Airport and the way it will allow us to educate travelers about the growing issue of domestic hunger,” Second Harvest Executive Director Bruce Ganger said.

Competing architectural firms will build their structures in the airport’s newly designed Connector Bridge April 30, 2012. Each design will consist of non-perishable food items, which will be donated to Second Harvest. The structures will remain on display through May 18. Passersby have the opportunity to vote for “People’s Choice” award via online voting, with a panel of local judges also awarding honors for best meal, best use of labels, structural ingenuity and juror’s favorite.

Between 16,000 and 24,000 people a day will pass the structures during the three-week event, according to Debbie Jones, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s Community Relations Administrator. The exposure will give Second Harvest the opportunity to educate a larger audience about the changing face of domestic hunger on the First Coast, Ganger said.

This year’s event is sponsored by the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration. The 10th Annual Canstruction® event was held at the Jacksonville Landing. Almost 2,900 pounds of food were incorporated into the designs, Ganger said. Over the years, the event has produced more than 50,000 pounds of food – or 350,000 meals – for hungry families.

For more information about how to participate in this year’s event, please contact Julia Valleau at 904.536.8829 or e-mail Julia@lanearch.com.





Source: http://bit.ly/IAAYS7

Submitted by Steve Patterson
April 9, 2012
PolitiJax

Tourism might be good for Jacksonville's airports, but a City Council panel has qualms about the Jacksonville Aviation Authority's CEO serving on the Duval County Tourist Development Council.

"I don't know if that really paints a good picture for the public," Councilman John Crescimbeni said during a Rules Committee meeting last week, when four of the seven members voted against Steve Grossman's appointment.

"He's a great guy," said Rules Chairman Bill Bishop hastened to add, but he voted with Crescimbeni, Johnny Gaffney and Clay Yarborough to oppose the appointment by Council President Stephen Joost.

Part of the problem was apparently that the seat Grossman would have taken was set aside for a tourist industry representative, and skeptics said the head of an independent authority shouldn't be seen as an industry mouthpiece. Crescimbeni told Rules members the last person to hold that seat worked for Adventure Landing.

The full council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on the appointment.

Source: http://bit.ly/IhK29P

Jacksonville Business Journal
by Michael Clinton, Web Producer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Jacksonville Aviation Authority has received an ‘A’ rating from Fitch Ratings Fitch Ratings for its $157 million of series 2003 and series 2006 airport revenue bonds for the Jacksonville International Airport.

“We’re very pleased that Fitch has affirmed our ‘A’ rating,” said Richard Rossi, JAA’s CFO. “The affirmation of our credit rating is a reflection of JAA’s operations and our emphasis on controlling costs in the current economic environment.”

Fitch’s report said JAA received the rating because of its flat-to-decreasing debt service profile, moderate cost recovery framework, midsized origination/destination enplanement base, modest capital program and manageable leverage and adequate liquidity, according to a news release.

Source: http://bit.ly/HfjQPC

CHICAGO, Apr 02, 2012
 
(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fitch Ratings affirms its 'A' rating on the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, FL's (JAA or the authority) outstanding $157 million of series 2003 and series 2006 airport revenue bonds for Jacksonville International Airport (JAX or the airport). The Rating Outlook is Stable.

KEY RATING DRIVERS:

--Midsized Origination/Destination (O&D) Enplanement Base with Some Volatility: Nearly all of the airport's 2.8 million enplanements consist of O&D traffic; however, traffic has been uneven in recent times. Traffic levelled off in fiscal 2011 [ended Sept. 30] (up 0.2%), following three consecutive years of enplanement declines, but is down 3% through the first five months of fiscal 2012. The airport benefits from a diverse group of carriers serving the airport, with no one carrier representing more than 28% of the market.

--Moderate Cost Recovery Framework: JAX operates under a supportive hybrid airline use and lease agreement, which is commercial compensatory in the terminal and residual on the airfield. Under the current agreement, the airport has maintained a recent history of competitive cost per enplanement (CPE) ($6.47 in fiscal 2011). The airline agreement expires in September 2012 and is expected to be replaced with a fully residual agreement.

--Flat-to-Decreasing Debt Service Profile: JAX's annual debt service requirements are largely flat through fiscal 2018 at approximately $17.6 million, but decline sharply to about $10 million by fiscal 2020 and to $7.2 million in fiscal 2026. Over 80% of the outstanding debt is fixed rate with the remaining variable rate component ($37 million bank note (not rated by Fitch) synthetically fixed through an interest rate swap with Compass Bank (rated 'A-'/Negative Outlook by Fitch).

--Manageable Leverage and Adequate Liquidity: The airport's current leverage is reasonable given its cash-flow generation profile, there is no plan for additional debt in the near term, and debt per enplanement of $69.60 and net debt-to-cash flow available for debt service of 3.95 times (x) are consistent with the current rating level. Further, debt service coverage has remained relatively stable at 1.83x or greater and is projected to remain at or near similar levels in the near term and JAX's solid balance sheet liquidity, including unrestricted cash and investments equating to 390 days cash on hand (as of September 2011), provides additional financial flexibility.

--Modest Capital Program: Through fiscal 2016, the airport is expected to have a manageable capital program that totals $144.3 million, with nearly half of the funding coming from general airport funds. Fitch notes that the increased reliance on airport funds and decreased reliance on passenger facility charge (PFC) revenues could impact the airport's financial flexibility or ability to complete projects should performance fall short of expectations.

WHAT COULD TRIGGER A RATING ACTION:

--Material changes to the airport's enplanement levels;

--Increased reliance on PFC revenues to preserve coverage levels and maintain a low airline cost structure; and

--Additional leverage that would materially increase the debt metrics or meaningfully limit coverage levels.

SECURITY:

All airport revenue bonds are secured by a parity senior lien on the authority's net operating revenues as well as transfers from the surplus fund and certain available PFC revenues deposited into the operating revenue fund. The authority has covenanted to transfer all available PFC revenues from the PFC fund into the operating revenue fund no later than the 25th day of each month but is limited to no greater than 1.25x of the PFC-eligible debt service. The PFC fund is currently pledged for payment on a portion of principal and interest on the series 2006 bonds. Holders of the other debt obligations do not have a claim on deposits in the PFC fund.

CREDIT SUMMARY:

JAX's traffic, while remaining level in fiscal 2011 at 2.8 million enplanements, has historically been volatile, down a combined 12.8% over fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2010 as a result of the recession. Further, with enplanements down again fiscal year-to-date (3% decline for the five months ended February) it is uncertain whether enplanements have yet to bottom out. Nevertheless, the airport's importance to the north-eastern Florida region, coupled with Jacksonville's long-term growth prospects and limited competition from neighbouring airports, provides support for travel demand into the future. Additionally, the diverse set of carriers serving JAX provides a relatively stable base of air service without having to rely on the scheduling decisions of the tenant carriers. Southwest and Delta continue to be the largest carriers serving JAX, with market shares of 27.8% and 24.1% in fiscal 2011, respectively.

The airport currently operates under a hybrid rate setting structure, which Fitch notes has historically provided for relatively stable financial results and modest airline costs. Still, there have been recent increases to the CPE, with a forecast of $6.75 for fiscal 2012 as compared to $5.30 in fiscal 2010. The airport effectively utilizes certain non-operating revenues, including PFC receipts, to subsidize debt service obligations. Historically, the airport's coverage level of total debt service has exceeded 1.83x and Fitch's base case projects coverage to remain at or near that level in the near term. Fitch notes, however, that PFC revenue transfers currently account for nearly 50% of debt service obligations and will be essential to preserving comparable coverage levels in the next several years. As a result, credit pressures may develop should enplanements and non-airline revenues fall short of expectations and JAX's financial flexibility could be limited. Partially mitigating this risk is the airport's solid balance sheet reserves and unrestricted cash and investments equating to over a year's worth of liquidity.

The current airline use agreement expires in September 2012 and a new full residual agreement under consideration is not likely to have an impact on JAX's financial or credit fundamentals. The new agreement is expected to have a five year term.

Presently, less than half of the airport's total operating revenues are derived from the airlines, while parking and concession revenues each contribute approximately 25% of the authority's operating cash flow. Overall, operating revenues have remained fairly resilient, growing at a five-year CAGR of 1.4%, despite an enplanement CAGR of -1.0% over that same period. However, operating expenses grew by 8% in fiscal 2011 and have outpaced operating revenues with a five-year CAGR of 2.5%. Management budgeted one more year of elevated expense growth (4.8%), before levelling off in the 3% range. As a result, the operating margin in fiscal 2011 dropped to 32.7% and is forecast to continue a slow decline in the near term.

JAA indicated that it has a moderately sized capital program through fiscal 2016, totalling $144.3 million. The capital program is expected to be funded by airport funds (45%), grants (35%), PFCs (12%), and other sources (8%). This allocation is a substantial shift from last year, with PFC funding decreasing from 28% and airport funds increasing from 33%. Fitch notes that financial flexibility could be hurt and/or projects have to be delayed should enplanements and financial performance fail to meet management's expectations.

Additional information is available at ' www.fitchratings.com '. The ratings above were solicited by, or on behalf of, the issuer, and therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.

Applicable Criteria & Related Research:

--'Rating Criteria for Infrastructure and Project Finance' (Aug. 16, 2011);

--'Rating Criteria for Airports' (Nov. 28, 2011).

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

Rating Criteria for Infrastructure and Project Finance

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=648832

Rating Criteria for Airports

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=656970

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS . IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE ' WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM '. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE.

SOURCE: Fitch Ratings

Source: http://bit.ly/H9o37o

April 2, 2012 
Charles Broward
jacksonville.com


When Mary Ann Barnett turned 90 last July, she told her family she wanted to skydive sometime soon. They knew to take her seriously.

So in January her granddaughter, Tiffany Barnett, made her a proposal.

And so the two ascended to 18,000 feet March 17, two days after Tiffany turned 30, and jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.

"I did it. I enjoyed it. And I'm ready to do it again," Mary Ann Barnett said.

The St. Augustine grandma said her nerves never really got to her until the professional skydiver she tandem-jumped with began a three-second countdown.

"I said, 'Oh dear, how do I get out of this?' " she said. "It's a little too late, and off we went."

Barnett said they free-fell for about 30 seconds and then, with the parachute deployed, took in the views. She complimented the professional skydiver for a smooth, harmless landing.

She said she had always wanted to skydive and had told her husband of 54 years several times that people should try everything at least once.

That free-spirited will could be applied to her entire life.

Raised in Ohio, Barnett said her father didn't like the idea of her joining the Coast Guard during "the war" in 1943. After all, she was one of the first women to do so, assigned to work as a secretary with limits in those days on what jobs females could perform.

"I had five brothers, five sister-in-laws, two brother-in-laws and three sisters," she said. "I had too many bosses. And I said I'm going into the service to be my own boss. Little did I know they told me what to do from the time I woke up in the morning till the time I went to bed at night."

Barnett eventually won her father's support, and her nearly three years in the Coast Guard also led to her marriage with husband Fred Barnett, who was stationed along with her in St. Augustine.

The loss of her husband 12 years ago was something that hit her hard, Barnett said, lowering her inhibitions. But in that down time, she turned to something she loved for therapy, something that led her to start a nonprofit.

Barnett founded Happy Hookers — its name refers to a crochet hook — along with two other women in 2002. The group crochets hats, beanies and afghans, mostly for use by premature babies and the elderly. They have donated about 5,000 items to area hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.

Ninety percent of the organization's materials are donated and all eight of its members are retired women, mostly widows, she said.

"Right now I have two afghans ready to go. I'm making them to look like Easter eggs with blue and pink."

Barnett's work with Happy Hookers began just after she was given a clean bill of health after a bout with breast cancer. As she does in the charity events she participates in, she wore all pink the day of the skydive, right down to her shoes and undergarments, she said.

Tiffany Barnett, who lives in Jacksonville, said she obviously had fears for her grandmother going into the jump, but now calls it one of the greatest experiences of her life. She also called her grandmother her "idol," hoping she can only live half the life she has.

"She would be the icon that I think every grandmother should be," Barnett said. "There's not enough words to explain how great of a woman she is."

Skydive Jacksonville, based near Herlong Airport, said Barnett was the oldest person to jump from its Jacksonville location. But a 92-year-old did skydive from its Titusville location.

"Maybe I'll jump out then, too. Maybe I'll jump out at 104," she said, again, free-spirited.

charles.broward@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4162

Source: http://bit.ly/Hb8J86

Sarah Mueller
Reporter - Jacksonville Business Journal
Friday, March 30, 2012

Region well suited to pursue space tourism


Participants at the Cecil Spaceport Development summit this week said Jacksonville needs to start positioning itself now as a destination spot for space travel.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority showcased Cecil Airport’s capabilities and assets for key stakeholders and to attract public and private investment. Panel discussions touched on educating skilled workers, attracting aerospace companies through government incentives and creating industry partnerships.

There are 193 aviation and aerospace companies in Duval County, employing more than 5,000 workers with an economic impact of more than $440 million in wages, Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll said. The NASA Kennedy Space Center and the new Cecil Spaceport give Florida a true network of space launch activities, commercial launches for unmanned space vehicles and space tourism applications that no other state has.

About 140 people attended the March 26 summit from government, aerospace companies and educational institutions.

Rocketplane Global Inc. is considering Jacksonville and other locations, including an area in Oklahoma, for its space flight headquarters and engineering facilities. The company, based in Green Bay, Wis., expects to make a decision in the next few months, said Chuck Lauer, vice president of business development for Rocketplane.

The company is developing aircraft intended to provide flights into suborbital space. Other major companies pursuing such flights include SpaceX, XCOR Aerospace Inc. and Virgin Galactic.

Tourism infrastructure in place

Cecil has infrastructure including physical facilities, a 12,500-foot runway and a corridor to use rocket power over water, limiting noise issues. Jacksonville’s many amenities for tourists are an important factor, Lauer said.

The area’s existing tourism infrastructure, including the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, makes it a destination site.

“You’ve got two of the best places on the planet for people to come and stay and that’s a major part of it,” Lauer said, “particularly for the tourism driver. When you look at the expectations of the person who can afford to spend $200,000 [on a space flight], these are not the kind of people expecting anything less than the best of the best.”

An expensive venture

Cecil Airport, operated by the authority, received a “space territory” designation from the Florida Legislature in March. JAA is hoping to attract a commercial spaceport operator, which is a company that has one or more space vehicles that are developed and ready to go into commercial flight service.

Cecil is targeting three categories of reusable launch vehicles. All take off like an airplane, but two use turbo engines and switch to rocket power at a certain location or altitude. The “Y” concept uses a rocket engine from takeoff.

Several companies are offering reservations for the first commercial space tourism suborbital flights. Virgin Galactic has a late 2013 timetable for a passenger flight from Spaceport America, headquartered in Truth or Consequences, N.M.

Suborbital flights go up about 62 miles to the edge of the atmosphere and passengers will experience about three to five minutes of weightlessness or microgravity.

JAA CEO Steve Grossman said the authority has teamed up with state and local agencies such as Space Florida and JaxUSA Partnership to support aerospace companies looking to relocate to Jacksonville. Aerospace industry executives said factors such as government incentives, utility costs and state regulations play a factor in deciding where to locate.

“We know how to make those deals happen,” Grossman said.

A 2011 U.S. Commercial Space Transportation report said Jacksonville joins seven other Federal Aviation Administration-licensed commercial spaceports in Florida, California, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Alaska and Virginia. Once an operator signs on to Cecil Spaceport, it would cost at least $100 million to provide the infrastructure needed to get the ball rolling, including a 20,000- to 30,000-square-foot airport hangar, mission control and training facilities, at least one space vehicle and a visitor center, Lauer said.

The JAA would try to fund this construction through a combination of partnerships, government funding and private investment, said Todd Lindner, JAA senior manager of aviation planning and spaceport development.

Rocketplane plans to fund its model XP vehicle, including design, system testing, engineering and assembly, through international investment, Lauer said.

Published March 26, 2012
By pmilano

The first Cecil Spaceport Development Summit, held Monday, March 26, to familiarize aerospace executives and elected officials with Cecil Airport’s advantages, featured a keynote speech by Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll and panel discussions on workforce and industry issues.

Cecil Airport on Jacksonville’s Westside is one of the first in the nation designated a Spaceport and will be at the forefront in developing the private and commercial space industry.

Here are condensed remarks from Dr. Juan Merkt, director of the Davis Aviation Center at Jacksonville University, who answered questions as part of a panel on issues related to Northeast Florida’s workforce and educational resources:

What educational resources are needed to develop workers with the skills needed to support the space industry at Cecil Airport’s Spaceport?

The space industry, even more so than aviation, is high-risk, with narrow safety margins and razor-thin profit margins. At Cecil we will need to determine the skills the space workforce must have to maintain high standards of safety, reliability and efficiency. Education must address professional competency; regulatory compliance; the “triple” bottom line of people, profits and planet; and critical thinking.

What industry training partnerships can be brought in by local educational institutions to support Cecil Spaceport?

These partnerships will be critical in developing the workforce for the space industry at Cecil. They provide hands-on learning via internships and other industry agreements, and they offer advanced training that would otherwise not be available.

Jacksonville University’s aviation program is a good example, offering the following partnerships and intern programs:

- Aerosim Flight Academy: A unique training partnership between a private university and an airline academy that lets us offer an airline-standardized training program for future airline pilots. Aerosim, the parent company, is a global manufacturer of aerospace and airline training equipment and simulators. It is building a $500,000 state-of-the-art passenger jet simulator for JU. The Bombardier CRJ700 simulator will have similar performance characteristics to the Space Shuttle Training Aircraft, a modified Gulfstream II business jet used by shuttle astronauts for re-entry and landing training.

- Southern Aero Medical Institute: This allows students to participate in high-altitude physiological training in a hypobaric chamber.

- Airline Training Orientation Program: This lets students experience flying Boeing and Airbus full-flight simulators at several airline training centers.

- European Business School/Lufthansa Airlines: This exchange program provides students top-notch aviation management courses at one of Germany’s premier business schools. They can also conduct research projects at Lufthansa Airlines headquarters.

- Tshwane Technical University, South Africa: JU is helping the largest university in South Africa set up its first aviation management program, which will be essential in training aviation professionals needed to support the growing tourism industry in South Africa.

- Multiple agreements with major and regional airlines to provide internship opportunities for students.

What critical assets does your agency or institution offer to enhance the economic development of Cecil Spaceport?

- The Davis Aviation Center has expertise in risk management and business management education, and offers an aviation curriculum founded on the four core competencies referenced earlier (professional, regulatory compliance, triple bottom line, and critical thinking).

- In ­­­­2006, the Davis Aviation Center developed a successful undergraduate course on Aerospace Business Management, drawing from the collected experience of executives in local aerospace businesses in North Florida and Georgia. In 2007, due in part to the success of this initial effort, Jacksonville University became a member of the Lean Aerospace Initiative, a volunteer consortium between industry, government and labor participants working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to research, develop and promulgate knowledge, principles, practices and tools to enable and accelerate the transformation of the greater U.S. aerospace enterprise to reliably and efficiently create value and rapidly adapt to change. In 2010 we had some early conversations with Space Florida to develop a joint Center for Aerospace Business Management. In addition, Jacksonville University is interested in developing a master’s degree in aerospace business management tailored to provide business knowledge and skills to engineers working in management positions in the space industry.

- In addition, JU’s new Sustainability degree program draws from multi-disciplinary expertise and assets needed for conducting environmental impact studies.

More information: Dr. Juan Merkt, director, Davis Aviation Center at Jacksonville University, (904) 256-7894, jmerkt@ju.edu


Source: http://bit.ly/H0lDd9

03/27/2012
by David Chapman, Staff Writer

The Jacksonville Clarion Hotel Airport Conference Center could soon be gutted and replaced with a DoubleTree by Hilton, according to a purchase and sale agreement conditionally approved by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.

The JAA board conditionally approved the agreement Monday.

The hotel sits on 5.2 acres of JAA property, which requires the authority to sign off on the deal. JAA leases the site to the operator.

The six-story, 220-room hotel is operated by Park Place Properties Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CenterState Bank.

Park Place has entered into an agreement to sell its leasehold interest to JAX Hotel LLC, an assignee of Turn-Key Hospitality Solutions. Kaushik Desai and Nayan Patel are partners of JAX Hotel.

Under terms of the deal, JAX Hotel had to secure consent of the authority to assign the hotel agreement by April 30.

As part of the agreement, JAX Hotel must submit an application for a DoubleTree franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels Corp. and obtain a commitment from Hilton prior to closing.

JAX Hotel then will contract with Matrix Hospitality Group to manage and operate the hotel.

JAX Hotel also will gut the existing Clarion Hotel and construct a full-service hotel under the Hilton DoubleTree brand, according to documents filed with the JAA.

The remodeling is estimated to cost $5 million. It will meet DoubleTree standards and will feature meeting rooms, restaurant and other amenities.

The board conditionally approved the agreement unanimously.

The JAA’s conditions include proof of a clean title, the hotel operating as a Hilton DoubleTree brand or brand name of equal or greater rating and the execution of a new lease agreement.

“It will be the only four-star property in North Jacksonville,” said JAA Executive Director Steve Grossman.

Grossman said the agreement would cost the authority minimally — only the costs of signage changes — and would bring the Hilton name and prestige to the area.

Grossman said it would be “an excellent result” of the current situation.

Originally constructed in 1973, the Clarion was operated under Skycenter Hotel until the company sued the authority alleging that terminal renovations negatively impacted business.

The lawsuit was settled in 1995 and the hotel reverted to the authority.

The authority then entered an agreement with J&M Enterprises in April 1997, which then assigned the agreement to Kantibhai Patel and Kalavati Patel in October 1997.

The agreement terms commenced March 10, 1998, and terminated March 9, 2053. The terms called for a base rent of $2,333 per month plus a variable rent of 2 percent of gross revenues of $83,333 per month.

Rental adjustments called for an increase to $4,000 per month in 2023 and a variable rent increase of 2 percent of all gross revenue in 2023.

On Dec. 15, 2003, according to the documents, the authority approved assignment of the agreement to Leslie Lurken, who also operated the hotel as a Clarion until May of last year when he informed the authority he was unable to resolve credit issues with what is now CenterState Bank, which placed it with Park Properties.

dchapman@baileypub.com, 356-2466

Source: http://bit.ly/GUXuBh

03/27/2012
by David Chapman, Staff Writer

Advocates of the commercial space industry see opportunities with the end of the space shuttle program and some say one of those is in Jacksonville.

“Cecil (Spaceport) is a part of that new beginning,” said Frank DiBello, Space Florida CEO.

Cecil Airport, certified as a spaceport in January 2010, hosted a two-day Cecil Spaceport Development Summit that concluded Monday. It took place at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Cecil Center auditorium.

The event featured panel discussions, including one moderated by DiBello, and a tour for public officials and members of the commercial space industry.

George Nield, Federal Aviation Authority Commercial Space administrator and panelist, said that private industry will be relied on for funding due to national budget cutbacks in the space program. He said that once markets are established, NASA could choose the products and services it needs.

Nield said the FAA is working with 13 companies involving space tourism and said he wouldn’t be surprised if two or three of them were established within several years.

“It will be open to you,” he said of space tourism.

Jerry Mallot, president of JAXUSA Partnership, said the area has the benefit of a good climate and a tax structure that appeals to businesses.

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll told attendees the space industry and its possibilities were “critical for our area and the state of Florida” for economic development and global competition in a targeted growth industry.

Carroll also spoke with the JAX Chamber trustees Monday afternoon at Epping Forest.

She said the space tourism industry attracts global customers who travel to an area with their families for months at a time for training and spend money.

Carroll said that requires investment in attractive infrastructure and she asked chamber members to support development within the community.

“Now is the time for Northeast Florida to get on the map,” she said of the industry’s growth.

dchapman@baileypub.com, 356-2466

Source: http://bit.ly/H8QJ1Y

Jacksonville Business Journal
Sarah Mueller, Reporter
Monday, March 26, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority hosted its first spaceport summit Monday, attracting representatives from aerospace companies, elected officials and local universities.

About 140 people attended the event, which covered topics including the future of space travel, workforce needs, incentives for companies to locate in Jacksonville and a tour of Cecil Commerce Center and Cecil Airport. Companies at the summit included XCOR Aerospace, The Rocketplane and Masten Space Systems Masten Space Systems.

"If we don’t start now, it will never happen,” said Ed Mango, commercial crew manager of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Speakers featured Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll; Juan Merkt, aerospace chairman at Jacksonville University and Jerry Mallot, president of JaxUSA Partnership.

Source: http://bit.ly/HgP4Vg

Dan Scanlan
The Florida Times-Union
March 16, 2012

It looks like a corrugated tin shed with wings as it lumbers off the runway at Herlong Recreational Airport, its 9-cylinder engines roaring as the silver and blue airplane claws skyward at a stately 80 mph.

The Experimental Aircraft Association's 1929 Ford Tri-Motor is one of 199 made by the same folks who built the Model T and Taurus — and basically ushered in modern airline travel.

Those interested can get a hint of what it was like to fly commercial 70 years ago, as the association offers rides in what was once nicknamed the Tin Goose. With five big windows per corrugated side showing Jacksonville from 2,000 feet, it's a trip back in time, said pilot Colin Soucy. His day job is commercial airliner pilot.

"It allows people to enjoy and be exposed to the olden days of aviation," Soucy said. "This was the way aviation was in the '20s and '30s. ..." He said that in museums there are eight or nine of these planes that can fly, "but people don't get to touch them. People look at them across a fence."

Flying in the 1920s was often in an open cockpit in a fabric-skinned biplane, so being able to ride inside an aluminum skin in relative comfort was cutting edge, said Bob Casey, curator at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich.

"It was an all-metal airplane, and this in a period when airplanes were often made of steel tubing with fabric stretched over it," Casey said.

Tri-Motors were built by automobile magnate Henry Ford in a factory at his Dearborn airport between 1926 and 1933. The $42,000 aircraft's enclosed cabin had nine padded seats under varnished wood panels with Art Deco accents, reading lamps and a ventilation system.

The pilots are in a cockpit at the leading edge of a 74-foot-wide wing, visible by passengers since there is no cockpit door.

The association's Tri-Motor was used by Eastern Air Transport, Cubana Airlines in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. It flew in barnstorming air shows, crop dusted and fought forest fires. A storm damaged it in 1973, and the association bought and restored it. Now it flies air shows and events like this weekend's, helping celebrate Herlong's 10th anniversary under Jacksonville Aviation Authority management.

In a world of sleek jet airliners, the Tri-Motor is flying slower than some cars it went over Thursday above Interstate 10. Soucy joked that it's like flying a dump truck but still fun.

"It is the essence of aviation, and we are trying to build more support for the chapter and grow general aviation in the Jacksonville area," said co-pilot Elvis Golden, vice president of the association's Jacksonville chapter.

dan.scanlan@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4549

Source: http://bit.ly/FRO7QZ

Roger Weeder
Firstcoastnews.com
March 14, 2012

The Transportation Security Administration is not the on the radar at Jacksonville International as airports across the country are being reminded they can opt out and go private to handle passenger screening.

On Tuesday, Florida Congressman John Mica sent letters to JIA and 200 other airports spelling out the law that allows the private option. Mica supports competition in delivering airport security.

"We don't have a problem," said Steve Grossman, Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO, when asked if JIA had any issues with the performance of the TSA.

Currently federal employees handle screening chores.

Air travelers had mixed reactions as to whether going private is the way to go.

"Competition probably keeps the cost down and the service up," said Alfred Johns from Keystone Heights.

"I think any private industry should not be in control of anything for the government," said Bonnie Calhoun from Tallahassee on her way to Detroit.

Orlando-Sanford International Airport is making plans to go with private companies to handle screening. The airport is located in Congressman Mica's district.



Source: http://fcnews.tv/zmv2DE

03/13/2012
by Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll said Monday she intends to head to Washington, D.C., this weekend and next week and during her trip will let the U.S. Air Force know that Jacksonville is ready to welcome Embraer.

The Air Force set aside the $355 million contract that would have allowed Embraer to build the A-29 Super Tucano warplane and create 50 local jobs.

Carroll said the Air Force will re-open bidding on the contract and needs to know of Jacksonville’s interest.

“We want this manufacturing to come here,” she said.

She said Kansas has been “very vocal” and Florida needs to be the same.

Lane Wright, a spokesman for Gov. Rick Scott, said Carroll was traveling to Washington, D.C., for a National Lieutenant Governors Association meeting. He said that because defense issues are among her main focuses that she will stop by the Pentagon and other areas of national affairs.

“Embraer will be a part of it,” he said, but is not the primary reason for her trip to the capital.

Embraer was planning to partner with Sierra Nevada Corp., which was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense contract in December after its main competitor, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft, was excluded in a “pre-award exclusion.”

Hawker Beechcraft filed suit against the U.S. government Dec. 27 and the Air Force put a “stop-work” order to Sierra Nevada on Jan. 4. The Air Force then set aside the contract that would have allowed Embraer to build the warplane in Jacksonville.

The decision re-opens contract bidding for the light attack aircraft.

Sierra Nevada is based in Sparks, Nev., near Reno. Embraer is based in Brazil.

Embraer was planning to build the planes at a 40,000-square-foot hangar at Jacksonville International Airport. Jacksonville City Council approved incentives for the project, which promised an average salary of $49,500, plus benefits. Council approved a Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund of $150,000 for Embraer contingent upon the contract.

Under the QTI, the City would refund $30,000 and the state would be responsible for $120,000.

Embraer was expected to generate an annual payroll of about $2.5 million and invest $1.8 million in assembly equipment, according to Joe Whitaker, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission targeted industries coordinator, in a presentation to the Council Finance Committee.

kmathis@baileypub.com, 356-2466

Source: http://bit.ly/AA5ZXi

By Dan Scanlan
The Florida Times-Union.
March 13, 2012

Recreate the earliest days of air travel this weekend, as the Experimental Aircraft Association brings its restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airliner to two Jacksonville airports from Thursday through March 21.

The blue and silver Tri-Motor will be at Herlong Recreational Airport at 9300 Normandy Blvd. Thursday through Sunday, then Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport at 855-1 St. Johns Bluff Road Monday through March 21. Tickets are $80 per person aboard the world’s first mass-produced airliner, nicknamed the “Tin Goose” after it was built by the Ford Motor Company.

More information and flight reservations are available through EAA’s Tri-Motor tour website at www.flytheford.org, or can be ordered by telephone at (877) 952-5395.

Source: http://bit.ly/A7yK9m

By Beth Cravey
The Florida Times-Union.
February 29, 2012

In the shadow of an 8-foot-tall statue of Martin Luther King Jr., a young black man named Emorja Roberson stood tall and sang strong.

“We shall overcome, we shall overcome. We shall overcome some day,” he sang, backed by the University of North Florida Chamber Singers. “Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, we shall overcome someday.”

As Roberson sang, an elder black man who lived a life parallel to King’s marveled how far they had indeed come. Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick Sr., 84, remembers singing that song during the civil rights struggles that led to King’s assassination in 1968. He remembers living in the world of inequality that King, who would now be 83, sought to end.

And now McKissick will remember helping unveil the statue Tuesday in a place called Peace Plaza at the University of North Florida, the first Florida campus to have a King statue.

As McKissick gave the benediction, he closed his eyes and thanked God for King and his dream.

“Thank you for the dreamers, especially the dreamer Martin Luther King, and to see the reality unfolding,” he said. “Thank you for the opportunity to take the banner now and move it forward.”

McKissick, senior pastor at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, later told the Times-Union what the statue meant to him.

“It is a sign and a symbol that is significant for me, to have been through segregation. I never thought it was supposed to be any different,” he said. “Now to look at it is a pivotal point of transition.”

The Chamber Singers soloist, Roberson, 20, said the statue was a symbol for him as well.

“It is a prophecy,” he said, “that we shall overcome.”

And it is an inspiration, he said, “That we can do it.”

“He’s here,” Roberson said of King.

The 8-foot-6-inch bronze statue was created by artist Jasu Shilpi of India, the same artist who designed the Gandhi statue unveiled in Peace Plaza in 2006. A committee led by Oupa Seane, director of UNF’s Intercultural Center for Peace, began planning the King statue in 2008 and raised $32,000 in private funds to pay the cost.

The leading donors were Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund, Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the DuBow Family Foundation.

The committee wanted the second statue at the plaza to be of King because he embodied the same values UNF seeks to promote, and is a role model for students, said Mauricio Gonzalez, vice president of student and international affairs.

He said he was surprised to find that no other Florida college campus had a King statue but was “very proud” that UNF was the first.

beth.cravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109



Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-02-29/story/unf-becomes-first-florida-college-campus-mlk-statue#ixzz1nsMYB8o8

Source: http://bit.ly/wykIyv

Feb 28 2012
news4jax.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The first and only full-sized Martin Luther King Jr. statue on a Florida college campus was unveiled Tuesday at the University of North Florida.

Dozens of people gathered on Peace Plaza to witness the unveiling of the bronze King statue.

The 8-foot, 6-inch statue comes from India. It stands on a granite base inscribed with three quotes from the famous orator's speeches, sermons and writings.

University staff said the statue is meant to help uplift their students both educationally and morally.

Private donations helped raise funds to create the statue, including those from the Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund, Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the DuBow Family Foundation.



Source: http://bit.ly/AkQ3TP

Robert Ward
Managing Editor - Jacksonville Business Journal

Balfour Beatty Construction-ACI Inc. will build the $2.6 million Federal Inspection Services connector at Jacksonville International Airport.

The contractor received a city of Jacksonville building permit yesterday for the project, which is a corridor connecting Concourse C to the public side of the terminal to accommodate international and customs facilities, a Jacksonville Aviation Authority spokeswoman said. The work involves 3,500 square feet.

Balfour Beatty-ACI built Concourses A and C at JIA.

Source: http://bit.ly/x8UvoW

by David Chapman, Staff Writer

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority will bring together aerospace executives and City and state officials March 25-26 for a Cecil Spaceport Development Summit.

JAA CEO Steve Grossman said the goal of the two-day event is to educate participants about the commercial spaceport goals and needs of the area.

Cecil Airport, part of the JAA’s airport system, was certified as a spaceport in January 2010.

“Florida is open to business and we want commercial space activities here in Northeast Florida,” Grossman said Monday.

Grossman said he expects about 20 representatives from commercial space companies to attend the event at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Cecil Center auditorium, tour the Cecil Airport facilities and discuss the opportunities and needs with local officials.

“The goal is to get folks from the industry with elected officials so that both can learn from one another,” said Grossman.

Grossman said elected officials can learn about “what these industries need to be successful.”

He said that can range from incentive programs, being worked on at the state level, to infrastructure needs.

“I think we (JAA) are trying to act as a facilitator to bridge the knowledge,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, state Rep. Daniel Davis, JAXUSA Partnership President Jerry Mallot, Florida State College at Jacksonville President Steve Wallace and Ed Mango, NASA Commercial Crew program manager, are listed among the speakers.

Grossman said it’s important that elected officials are part of the conversation.

“We’re competing with the whole country,” he said. “There are half a dozen airports competing that are getting help from their states.”

Grossman said JAA has a strong partnership with Space Florida, which is an independent special district in the state written into statute that fosters growth and development of Florida’s space industry.

Any interest usually funnels through it and Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private partnership for economic development, he said.

“It’s going to be our chance to sell everything we have at Cecil and everything we’re going to have at Cecil,” Grossman said.

dchapman@baileypub.com, 356-2466

Source: http://bit.ly/yUw8Wq

Financial News & Daily Record
February 27, 2012

Three weeks before the first delegates arrived Thursday for the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ meeting on exports and ports at the Hyatt Downtown, Mayor Alvin Brown explained the purpose of the three-day event.
“This meeting is about job creation and keeping our metro economies globally competitive,” Brown said.

That was the agenda in the meeting room, but the event presented an opportunity that began and ended at Jacksonville International Airport. It was a chance to give the visiting dignitaries a taste of Southern hospitality.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority greeted the guests at the airport as they entered the terminal, then provided transportation to the hotel. When they are escorted back to JIA, the travelers will receive expedited security prior to their return flights.

At the Hyatt, each visiting mayor was welcomed at the door by senior management staff and escorted to the room.

At a private reception Thursday evening, the Hyatt’s culinary staff introduced to the visitors some new creations using fresh local seafood: Florida seafood cocktail with blue crab and mango gazpacho, a Mayport shrimp bloody mary and redfish ceviche, said Hyatt Senior Director of Catering and Convention Services Melissa Milione.

“Other than that, it was the same way we treat all of our guests at the Hyatt,” she said.

In addition to breakfast and lunch Friday and Saturday at the Hyatt, the delegates had dinner high above Downtown Friday evening at The River Club.

The schedule and itinerary was designed with the first-time visitors in mind, said Milione.

“This was our opportunity to show off and show them that Jacksonville is a major city,” she said.

mmarbut@baileypub.com, 356-2466

Source: http://bit.ly/zI494a

Written by
Erich Spivey
First Coast News
February 23, 2012


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Cecil Field is one giant step closer to outer space.

The Florida House is close to passing a bill that would give tax breaks to space tourism-related companies operating at Cecil Field, our newsgathering partner The Florida Times-Union reports.

The bill is sponsored by local Rep. Lake Ray and would designated Cecil Field as a "spaceport territory" at the state level.

Cecil Field is the Navy's former master jet base and was made the country's eighth designated horizontal launch commercial spaceport.

Source: http://fcnews.tv/xNcqbz

Drew Dixon
February 22, 2012
BizJax

The best hospitality employees on the First Coast were honored Tuesday in the ROSE Awards as presented by the North Florida Hotel & Lodging Association.

The Recognition of Service Excellence – or ROSE – awards ceremony took place at he Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront with some 400 people

The event recognized employees who exemplify excellent customer service. The honors bestowed feature awards given to workers for one-on-one service or behind-the-scenes work that enhances the visitor experience in North Florida hotels, restaurants and resorts.

Below is the list of honorees as provided by the North Florida Hotel & Lodging Association in a news release issued Wednesday.

Fourth Annual ROSE Awards recipients:

Bartender - Michelle Elliott representing Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Behind the Scenes - Heidi Davis representing Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Customer Service: Airline Agent - Cynthia Arroyo representing JetBlue Airways
Customer Service: Attraction/Tour Guide - Gary Sass representing AdLib Luxury Tours & Transportation
Customer Service: Car Rental Agent - Mary Urzetta representing Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Customer Service: Retail - Sherry Lyford representing River City Gourmet
Customer Service: Spa and Recreation - Stacy Myers representing The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Customer Service: Support to an Airline Agent - Stephanie Morgan representing Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Customer Service: Tourism Ambassador - Michael Ryan representing Downtown Vision, Inc.
Driver: Ground & Water Transportation - Leonard Williams representing Checker Cab
Food Service: Kitchen Staff - Luz Crowley representing The Inn at Mayo Clinic
Golf Services - Dan Hackney representing Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Guest Service: Bell Attendant - Tyrone Jackson representing Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Guest Service: Concierge - Debra Nearbin representing One Ocean Resort
Guest Service: Front Desk - Christopher-Jon Butler representing Fleming Island Sleep Inn & Suites
Guest Service: Housekeeping - Zoltan Kalocsai representing Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
Guest Service: Housekeeping - Bozena Dobrzeniecki representing St. Francis Inn Bed & Breakfast
Guest Service: Maintenance/Engineer - Charles Whittle representing Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Guest Service: Private Club - Nicole Wesseling representing The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach
Guest Service: Security - Marcella Waldburg representing The Jacksonville Landing
Guest Service: Valet - Jeremy Ausderau representing Omni Jacksonville Hotel (Parking Management)
Server: Banquet, Catering - Myra Vonn representing Panera Bread, LLC.
Server: Fast Food - Harry Thorpe representing Hammock Beach Resort
Server: Restaurant - Ralph D'Agostino representing Hammock Beach Resort
Server: Upscale, Fine Dining Restaurant - Anita Regler representing One Ocean Resort
President’s Awards - Mary DeJarnette representing Omni Jacksonville Hotel


Source: http://bit.ly/yjHsAf

RS&H News

When CNN produced the Florida Republican Presidential Debate from Jacksonville last month, Erin Burnett, host of that network's "Out Front" reported the next day on her show that "the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)…I think might be America's best airport." She said that the airport "does everything right," citing several of the airport's architectural amenities, including a terminal "full of open spaces and clean bright stores."

For over 30 years, RS&H has provided professional architectural, engineering, and planning services for JAX. As the designer of the renovated concourses, which were completed in 2010, RS&H takes pride in such accolades. To Ms. Burnett's point, the hallmark of the 225,000-square feet concourses are the vaulted barrel ceilings and 800 ft. skylights, which create an open spacious feeling as well as abundant natural light for increased energy efficiency. More importantly, this was accomplished without over resizing the total footprint of the buildings. In addition, RS&H designers worked with concessionaires, including restaurants, news and gift shops, to increase post-security traveler concessions and amenities to surpass the level of passenger service as dictated by Jacksonville Airport Authority. It seems to have paid off as Ms. Burnett said that people at the airport were "friendly and helpful."

And as a bonus, Ms. Burnett complimented the University of North Florida, site of the debate, citing it as a "beautiful campus." RS&H has provided master planning services for UNF since its inception. Among its many campus projects, RS&H served as the consultant on the Student Life Building, the University Center and the Fine Arts Center, site of the Presidential debate.

Source: http://bit.ly/x6PLHK

March 12, 2011

On Sundays after church, Millicent Dangerfield and her brother and sisters used to visit congregation members who were ill or shut in that day.

"Our grandmother would send us around with that Sunday dinner," she said recently.

Other times they would sell flowers or do what they jokingly called "beg for the church," she said.

It's as close as she could come to explaining the things that fostered her spirit for helping others.

"I don't know, it's just a part of me," she said. "In my blood, I guess."

Now retired, the transplant from Maryland who rose to administrative posts in the criminal justice system there, has taken on a trio of volunteer positions that would be daunting to many. Three supervisors who wrote her nomination for 10 Who Make a Difference noticed.

Soon after moving to Jacksonville in 2004, Dangerfield began spending Saturdays as an airport ambassador at Jacksonville International Airport, logging 250 hours last year in tasks from manning the information booth to helping with security lines.

If you imagine the airport as the cover of a book that is Jacksonville, the face on that cover is Dangerfield's, wrote Bryan Long, the airport's customer service manager.

For four years she's also spent two days a month at the State Attorney's Office designing repayment plans for those ordered to pay restitution in housing, food stamp or other cases. She handles hearings in other programs as well, her nomination said.

Making decisions on behalf of 170 detainees at a juvenile justice facility in Maryland primed Dangerfield for her most treasured role.

"She readily takes on any case," said Michael Milliken, a manager for the state Department of Elder Affairs ombudsman program.

Volunteers there advocate for nursing home and other care facility residents who may complain of anything from cold coffee to mishandled medications. Last year she completed safety assessments at 14 facilities and completed 33 case investigations.

"She doesn't mind getting in there and fighting for a resident," she said.

Dangerfield takes case information home, will make calls on weekends and holidays to catch client's relatives and even debates cases with Milliken.

"I like to get the best possible solution," she said. The job seems never ending, she said, but is deeply rewarding.

"This will be the last one I give up," she said.

February 9, 2012

JAXUSA Partnership, a division of the JAX Chamber, Jacksonville Aviation Authority and JetBlue Airways hosted a reception with regional business leaders yesterday to promote the airline’s six years of service at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).

“We greatly appreciate the air service JetBlue provides from Jacksonville to key business markets,” said Steve Grossman, CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. “It’s now up to our community to support service from Jacksonville International Airport to ensure the continued success of current flights, expand existing service and attract new destinations.”

“JetBlue is proud to provide low-fare, high-value air service from Jacksonville to Boston, New York and San Juan,” said JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and partnerships, Scott Laurence. “As a destination, JAX has been a successful market for JetBlue. To ensure our new routes to Boston and the Caribbean continue to thrive, we are seeking continued support from the community. Our goal is to remain the carrier of choice for both business and leisure travel.”

JetBlue initiated service at JAX in June of 2006 with three daily flights to its home base at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and in 2008 launched its first direct daily service to Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS). In May of 2011, the value airline expanded its schedule to Boston by adding a second daily flight, in addition to launching Jacksonville’s only nonstop service to the Caribbean with direct flights to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Much of the JAX region’s economic success can be contributed to our airport, said Robert Hill, chair of JAXUSA Partnership and CEO of Acosta. “Many companies choose to locate or expand in a region where quality air service is available. We are thrilled to celebrate JetBlue’s six years of service in Jacksonville and fortunate to enjoy the most recently-added destinations, Boston and Puerto Rico.”

In the third quarter of 2011, the market size to San Juan increased more than 400 percent year-over-year, while fares were cut by 37 percent over the same period.

“Communities across the country are competing for expanded service,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “JetBlue’s decision to expand in our market is evidence of our growing and diverse economy. Staying connected in the global market place is essential as companies grow and do more business in Northeast Florida.”


Source: http://fcnews.tv/xljzmi

February 1, 2012
Jeff Brumley
On the Road

CNN's Erin Burnett spoke glowingly of Jacksonville International Airport, saying on her show that it could perhaps be "America's best airport."

Apprently Burnett experienced a flight delay at JIA after covering the presidential debates at the University of North Florida. She praised the airport's wide open spaces, massage therapists and the fact it has an art gallery, among other things. She was also complimentary of how helpful employees are at the airport.

Burnett also praises the city and UNF in her video.

Of course all of this begs the question: what do I think of JIA? Personally, I always like flying out of JIA because the airport is also home to the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing. It's always cool to see the unit's F-15 Eagle fighters parked on the tarmac and even cooler to see them taxiing to the runways and taking off.

As I prepared to board a recent Southwest Airlines flight to Nashville, I watched as six of the two-engined fighters taxied single file for takeoff. When my plane took off and banked, we turned right over three of the fighters. I could like straight down into the cockpits from about 400 or 500 feet. It was uber awesome.

Source: http://bit.ly/z9KdYe

Feb 07, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority announced that Cecil Airport has received FAA's Southern Region 2011 General Aviation Airport Safety Award.

Cecil Airport adopted several safety programs that included the design and execution of a Safety Management System, airport tenant safety awareness program, an annual safety fair, a wildlife hazard assessment, and an overview of the facility's safety initiatives and accomplishments, the authority said.

Source: http://bit.ly/zEvt0p

Jacksonville Business Journal
Sarah Mueller, Reporter
February 2, 2012

American Airlines said Wednesday it plans to lay off about 13,000 employees, but Jacksonville Aviation Authority officials said it’s too early to tell what that means for the Jacksonville International Airport.

Michael Stewart, director of external affairs for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, said there's no word from the company on changes to employees or flights at JIA.

The airline operated 71 flights a week in December 2011, with 22,377 American Airlines passengers taking off or landing in Jacksonville. It's the fourth largest airline carrier at JIA in terms of the number of seats, Stewart said.

Source: http://bit.ly/Ahl2yB

By Dana Treen
The Florida Times-Union.
February 2, 2012

Suspicions about a package found at Jacksonville International Airport's Fed Ex cargo terminal Thursday were unfounded and it was returned to the company after a bomb squad inspection.

No flights or other operations at the airport were disrupted apart from the closing of the cargo facility and surrounding businesses on Pecan Park Road in the southeast part of the airport property.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office bomb squad was called to the terminal in the morning after airport police were contacted by Fed Ex, said Jacksonville Aviation Authority spokesman Michael Stewart. He said two bomb squad technicians inspected the package before it was determined to be harmless.

No details about the size of the package or what raised suspicions were released by police or the airport.

Source: http://bit.ly/xH5fJJ

news4jax.com
February 1, 2012

JIA travelers should not see changes yet

The airline industry was shaken up Wednesday after American Airlines announced its plans to lay off about 13,000 employees in an effort to restructure the company's finances.

"Oh wow yes I'm very surprised," traveler Dreama Gardner said. "I thought they were doing good."

Travelers who left on American Airline flights from JIA Wednesday didn't notice any problems. They won't see any changes for awhile for now.

American said it is working through bankruptcy and negotiating with unions. The company told Channel 4 in a statement: "For the foreseeable future, it's business as usual in Jacksonville."

"I think fuel costs. They rent their planes. They don't own them. Profit margins are terrible," said traveler, Robert Laidlaw.

"We're going to look at increasing our flying in our five major markets. Significant things our high value customers value most," said American Airlines spokesman, Bruce Hicks.

Source: http://bit.ly/wSp7Xa

Michael Clinton
Jacksonville Business Journal
January 26, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority board has accepted a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to conduct an environmental assessment of horizontal space launches at Cecil Spaceport.

The FDOT grant for $140,000 will be matched with $21,545 from JAA.

The assessment will determine what, if any, environmental impacts the Concept “Y” Horizontal Launch-Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) will have at Cecil Spaceport, in addition to investigating the feasibility of the operation.

Horizontal launches — the process of reaching space on an incline — are generally less expensive than vertical launches, which are the main type of departure at Cape Canaveral.

The Concept “Y” Vehicle is powered by a rocket engine for its entire operation, as opposed to the Concept “X” and Concept “Z” Vehicles that use a typical turbojet engine until reaching a predetermined location and altitude before switching to a rocket engine.

Todd Lindner, JAA senior manager-aviation planning and spaceport development, said that JAA does not expect significant environmental impacts from the operation of the Concept "Y" Vehicle. Once the environmental assessment is complete, JAA plans to modify the existing launch site operator's license to incorporate the Concept "Y" Vehicle.

JAA received a commercial spaceport license from the Federal Aviation Authority in 2010, allowing the airport 52 horizontal takeoffs annually of suborbital horizontal launch vehicles.

The Concept "Y" vehicle was not included in the original license because there was not enough data available at the time to determine if an assessment was a possibility, said Michael Stewart, director of external affairs at JAA.

Cecil Airport is one of 12 commercial spaceports in the United States, one of eight maintaining licensed horizontal launch capabilities, and the only one in Florida.

A public workshop Feb. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cecil Airport Conference Center at the Cecil Commerce Center will provide general information and comment about the RLV program. For more information about the workshop, call (904) 741-2228.

Source: http://bit.ly/AnABUb

By Topher Sanders
The Florida Times-Union.
January 28, 2012

Jacksonville got a lot of love this week from Erin Burnett, who hosts a nightly show on CNN.

The host of “Erin Burnett OutFront” was in town for the Republican presidential candidate debate and because of a delay spent a little more time at Jacksonville International Airport than anticipated.

It was enough time for Burnett to say JIA is “what I think might be America’s best airport.”

During her show Friday night, Burnett raved about the airport’s open spaces, clean bright stores, live music, art gallery and “real live people offering help and smiling and actually inviting you to talk to them.”

Michael Stewart, spokesman for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, called Burnett’s comments “the greatest commercial in the history of the Jacksonville airport.”

She said JIA “does pretty much everything right.”

Burnett also praised the University of North Florida, which hosted the debate, talking about its “beautiful campus” and growing global logistics training program.

John Delaney said CNN crewmembers and personalities were complimentary of the university throughout their stay. Several crews stayed on campus longer than intended to shoot their shows because of their fondness for the campus.

“For UNF it was a bit of a coming-out party,” he said.

Delaney said he was chatting with CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer right before Thursday’s debate when Blitzer praised the university.

“ ‘This has got to be the prettiest campus I’ve ever been on,’ ” Delaney said of Blitzer’s comments “ ‘You guys have to increase your marketing budget because you’ve got a great story to tell.’ ”

Jerry Mallot, executive vice president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, said the city couldn’t buy the type of publicity Burnett’s comments provide.

“It’s helps people to want to know more about Jacksonville and hopefully those are people who want to move to Jacksonville or do business here,” Mallot said. “Overall it helps to develop our reputation which helps the city become more successful.”

All in all, Burnett said, Jacksonville is “a pretty neat city to discover.”

Stewart couldn’t agree more.

“It’s a testament not only to the airport and the Aviation Authority but to Jacksonville as a whole,” Stewart said. “A lot of people that come from out of town recognize Jacksonville as a true jewel of a city in so many aspects.”

Burnett, whose show airs at 7 p.m. weeknights on CNN, joined one of her network colleagues in praising all things River City.

Blitzer, who hosted the debate, earned cheers and social media shout-outs when he described UNF as “beautiful” and “fabulous” just before the candidates faced off.

What's the best airport in America? What does Mercedes, Coach and Jacksonville have in common?
CNN's Erin Burnett weighs in.

Source: http://bit.ly/yWgJoK

January 26, 2012
The Times-Union

Gov. Rick Scott appointed former Undersheriff Francis “Frank” Mackesy to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board of directors on Wednesday.

Mackesy, 53, of Jacksonville, has been the director of emergency and security training at Florida State College of Jacksonville since 2011. He was undersheriff at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office from 1979 to 2011.

Mackesy received an associate degree from Florida Community College and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in administration from the University of North Florida.

Assuming the state Senate confirms him, Macksey’s term will expire Sept. 30, 2015.

Source: http://bit.ly/yCWFG4

Jeff Brumley
January 25, 2012

The West Virginia-based company does inspections and repair on business jets.

A West Virginia-based aviation firm has signed a lease for a new 30,000-square-foot hangar at Cecil Airport, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority has announced.

KCI Aviation performs inspections, maintenance and repair on business jets and turbo-prop planes, especially those powered by Pratt and Whitney engines.

Construction on its hangar is scheduled to begin in March and to be completed early next year. The company plans to hire at least 30 employees by the end of 2014 at an average wage of $46,000 a year, the authority said.

Cecil is a former naval air station and once a master jet base home to a carrier air wing. Now, the 6,000-acre facility has 50 buildings, including a dozen hangars and a 12,500-foot main runway. Its tenants include the Boeing Co., Pratt and Whitney, Flightstar, the Florida Army National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Cecil is now one of four airports operated by the authority, including Jacksonville International. In addition to hosting aviation-related firms. It is also the only licensed horizontal launch commercial spaceport on the East Coast.

The authority’s board of directors approved the lease on Monday. Jacksonville and the state of Florida approved at least $165,000 in incentives for hiring 30 people.

According to its website, KCI has been in business almost 60 years with operations in Bridgeport, W.Va., and Ponca City, Okla.

jeff.brumley@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4310

Source: http://bit.ly/z94CqX

Michael Clinton
Jacksonville Business Journal
January 23, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority  Board of Directors approved a lease with KCI Aviation for the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot hangar facility at Cecil Airport. Along with the new facility comes new jobs, KCI is planning to hire at least 30 workers by the end of 2014 with an annual salary of approximately $46,000.

Construction of the new hangar and office facility is expected to begin in March with an anticipated completion date in early 2013.

“This is great news for Cecil Airport and Jacksonville,” said Steve Grossman, JAA’s CEO. “KCI Aviation is exactly the type of aerospace tenant we are trying to attract to Cecil. They are an excellent fit with our existing base of commercial and military clients.”

KCI Aviation is a Bridgeport, W. Va.-based specializes in inspection, maintenance and repair of business jets and turbo-props.

Source: http://bit.ly/z8kW4M

Michael Clinton
Jacksonville Business Journal
January 18, 2012

After adopting the Local Preference Program last year, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority continued to flex its muscles by pouring $29.1 million into the local economy through direct contracting relationships with local businesses.

That was 75 percent of JAA’s $38.7 million in total direct contract awards, up from 60 percent in fiscal 2009.

“These contracting dollars are spent locally and generate business opportunities beyond the value of JAA’s direct contracts,” said Steve Grossman, JAA’s executive director/CEO. “Each additional dollar circulated locally results in increased economic activity, employment growth and retention and increased tax revenue.”

JAA adopted the Local Preference Program to encourage local businesses to participate in JAA’s competitive contract awards process.

JAA established the Local Preference Program for Businesses that have:

Maintained a permanent place of business in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam or St. Johns counties for at least one year prior to the solicitation for which preference is sought; and

At least three full-time employees who reside in the listed market area.

There are three types of preferences enjoyed by local businesses under the program: (1) a 5 percent bid reduction preference on competitive bids; (2) a five-point preference on evaluated bids or proposals; and (3) a tie-breaker preference.

Source: http://bit.ly/zRJIF8

Times Union/Opinion
January 9, 2012

Cheers for Mayor Alvin Brown and Gov. Rick Scott for their roles in encouraging Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to build light military aircraft in Jacksonville.

As part of a $355 million defense contract with the Sierra Nevada Corp., Embraer plans to add 50 high-wage jobs and millions of investment at the Jacksonville International Airport to build the Super Tucano aircraft.

The announcement came after Brown accompanied Scott on an economic development trip to Brazil where they met with Embraer executives. Brown also traveled to Washington to lobby the secretary of the Air Force on behalf of Jacksonville.

The mayor praised officials at the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, the JAX Chamber and the JAX USA Partnership for their help in bringing the jobs to the city.



Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2012-01-09/story/cheers-gator-bowls-rare-impact#ixzz1jjAf9Qqt

Source: http://bit.ly/wc80iU

By David Bauerlein
The Florida Times-Union.
January 5, 2012

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown sat in a packed hotel ballroom Thursday with 500 other attendees hearing former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell’s rallying call for spending more on roads, rails, airports and seaports.

Brown agreed with Rendell’s goal but said in an interview after the speech he still opposes renewing the local 6-cent gas tax.

“I’m not interested in raising taxes or fees,” Brown said.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has said it needs the City Council to extend the tax, which raises about $28 million a year to subsidize the JTA bus operation and the Skyway. But Brown said the federal government “needs to do its part” paying for transportation projects.

Rendell, a frequent guest on political talk shows, spoke at the Hyatt Regency downtown during a two-hour forum hosted by JAX Chamber and Building America’s Future Education Fund.

Rendell co-founded Building America’s Future, a bipartisan coalition of elected officials whose self-described mission is to promote a “new era” in spending on transportation projects.

“Our infrastructure is falling behind,” Rendell said. “It’s falling behind because we’re not investing.”

He said China has taken the global lead in building a transportation network for the 21st century, pushing past the United States in using transportation spending to fuel economic growth.

He said Northeast Florida is ahead of most regions but needs a deeper channel to handle larger cargo ships coming to the East Coast after the Panama Canal is enlarged in 2014.

Brown introduced Rendell by saying the future of America and the Jacksonville area “will depend greatly on infrastructure.”

by Joe Wilhelm Jr., Staff Writer
January 6, 2012

Area business leaders and former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell are emphasizing the need to invest in the transportation and public infrastructure of the U.S. and Jacksonville to stay competitive in the global marketplace.

“Jacksonville’s Infrastructure: A Local, State and Federal Perspective” was the topic of the forum co-hosted Thursday by the JAX Chamber and Building America’s Future Educational Fund, which Rendell co-chairs.

The former governor and local business leaders discussed the difficulty of finding funds for infrastructure and how the regulatory process slows projects.

“We invest to get a return on our investment. We invest to make us stronger, to build for the future,” said Rendell about the money spent on infrastructure in the U.S.

“If we don’t do it, the Chinese will, the Indians will, the Germans will, Europeans will, the Singaporeans will and we will be left behind. I don’t think that’s the type of America you want. I know it’s not the type of America I want,” he said.

Rendell joined former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to establish the Building America’s Future Educational Fund in 2008.

The organization’s goal is to educate the public on the importance and benefit of investing in the national infrastructure system and to mobilize elected officials and like-minded organizations to advocate for increasing the national investment and reforming national infrastructure policy.

The organization partnered with the JAX Chamber to host the forum attended by more than 300 guests at the Hyatt Downtown.

Area business leaders were given an opportunity to discuss local infrastructure issues during a panel discussion, which included Jacksonville Port Authority CEO Paul Anderson, JTA Executive Director/CEO Michael Blaylock, JAA Executive Director/CEO Steve Grossman and CSX Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Clarence Gooden, who also is CSX chief commercial officer.

State Rep. Lake Ray moderated the discussion and first asked what needed to be done at any level of government to best use the dollars available and how private sector dollars can be used as well.

“Where we are now is we’ve got to make a determination if we are going to decide if we are going to go after this logistics center, making Jacksonville the logistics center of America. It’s going to take some hard choices and some decisions,” Blaylock said.

“As we have already heard, the federal government is only a partner, the state is only a partner, so we are all going to have to come together,” he said.

Anderson talked about finding more leaders like the people that were in the room.

“It’s going to take more people like Governor Ed Rendell, more people like Representative Lake Ray who have the guts, the fortitude and the common sense to be leaders in our country today. We don’t have that right now in Washington (D.C.),” said Anderson.

“It’s going to take groups like the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Building America’s Future, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of Port Authorities, (National Retail Federation), National Association of Manufacturers, (Association of American Railroads) banding together to become a powerful voice to end the stalemate,” said Anderson, referring to the U.S. Congress.

Anderson referred to his testimony Oct. 26 before the U.S. House of Representatives Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“We are using infrastructure that our grandparents built. We must build tomorrow’s infrastructure today. We are not doing that,” said Anderson.

He also saw public-private partnerships as a way of maximizing the limited dollars available from the different levels of government.

Grossman talked about mismanaged funding mechanisms that should be available for “bricks-and-mortar” projects.

“Over the last number of decades, governments at all levels have established mechanisms for transportation infrastructure, whether they be trust funds or tax increment districts,” said Grossman.

“In every level of government, the promises made with that money have been broken. The (Airport and Airway Trust Fund) was established to just build infrastructure. Today, less than a third of that money goes to build infrastructure,” he said.

“Most of it goes to fund the day-to-day operating expenses of the Federal Aviation Administration and, more importantly, over the last 10-15 years much of it has been frozen to cover the federal deficit,” he said.

Gooden represented the private sector on the panel and said he was glad to hear about the partnerships the authorities were seeking, but he didn’t have a solution for them.

“I like to see the way you guys started off with the private sector, but we’re broke,” said Gooden.

“I don’t see how Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington, Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, can all go to the United States government and expect to receive federal funds without some type of comprehensive plan. And why should I put the money in your place as opposed to somebody else’s because there is a finite amount of money there,” he said.

Gooden said he was pleased with what Jacksonville has to offer when applying for the limited government funding.

“You have to have a logical argument that makes our port better than anybody else’s port,” said Gooden.

“It seems to me that our logical argument is No. 1, we’ve got an opportunity to get a nuclear carrier here in Jacksonville. No. 2, in North Florida we have a natural advantage for the traffic from the Suez Canal. Third, we have to look at what the infrastructure is once you land the goods at the port. Can I get it in and can I get it out?”

Gooden was encouraged about the accessibility in Jacksonville to highways and railroad lines.

“What we have to do here in Jacksonville is sell the fact that our inland network transportation system is equipped,” said Gooden.


jwilhelm@baileypub.com

356-2466


Source: http://bit.ly/yY2LEJ

January 5, 2012

As the Panama Canal nears expansion and ports up and down the East Coast compete for dollars, the city's infrastructure and business potential were the focus of a panel discussion this morning.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, co-chair of Building America's Future Educational Fund, joined officials from Jaxport, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and CSX at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront to discuss what needs to be done to make the First Coast more competitive.

Rendell didn't have his sights set on small potatoes.

"We've got to start doing big projects again," he said. "That's what made this nation great."

He offered examples from around the globe to support his claims.

China, Rendell said, "is building infrastructure for the 22nd century, and we still have an infrastructure of the 20th century." He said in that regard, China is "eating our lunch."

He also spoke about America's natural resources.

"We are the Saudi Arabia of natural gas," Rendell said, adding that with a nation-wide distribution system, natural gas could replace diesel fuel at "literally half the cost."

Rendell called for not only a national energy bill and a national infrastructure bill, but he also said such projects need to be expedited.

Large-scale projects, he said, take too long to complete. One reason Rendell cited was environmental impact statements, which he said are necessary, but could be done in a handful of months rather than two years.

Rendell cited the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minnesota. It collapsed in 2007, severing a major transportation artery in the area. Because of its importance, Rendell said, the bridge was completely rebuilt within 12 months. Rendell said such a project normally takes three or four years, but the bridge project proves large projects can be completed quicker.

Speed and certainty are two things business owners want from regulations, he asserted.

Rendell also said his organization believes an increase in the gas tax is necessary, saying other nations all over the world have double or triple the gas tax that America has.

Believing now, with a weak economy, is a time when the economy couldn't absorb such a tax increase, Rendell wants the tax to be higher when the economy is stronger.

Even then, however, Rendell said, it's still a short-term solution to the country's infrastructure problem, saying long-term solutions will have to be different than gasoline.

Rendell concluded also that politics have gotten in the way of the best interest of the country.

"Forget about this fear of investing dollars in things that will lead to our growth," Rendell offered as a solution.

Source: http://fcnews.tv/zqxrYc

January 6, 2012
Florida Times Union

BUSINESS OF SPACE

Bring it to Cecil

Cecil Field is the ideal location for satellite manufacturing and launches.

When I met with Florida’s Commerce secretary, Gray Swoope, I explained to him that no state had the monopoly on building small satellites and why horizontal launches should be held at Cecil.

I applaud Swoope for taking his job seriously and jumping on this opportunity. Recently, Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll partnered a deal with Spain to manufacture small satellites and execute launches in Florida.

Here are the reasons why Cecil should be on the negotiations table as a viable and better location:

- Executing horizontal launches at Cecil and vertical launches at Kennedy Space Center would allow for increased capacity of launches since both could be executed simultaneously.

- Due to heavy air traffic flow in and out of the Orlando and Miami airports, horizontal launches released from Kennedy cause potential conflicts with commercial airliners. Cecil — located north — would be safer.

- Cecil received its Spaceport Certification recently and was backup runway to the Space Shuttle (over 12,000 feet long.)

- Cecil has over 17,000 acres of industrial parks – with standing infrastructure that was built to military safety standards. Locating the satellite-manufacturing center at Cecil would cost less to the state.

Using Cecil as well as Kennedy Space Center brings more proponents and jobs statewide. This is necessary if we are to bring space exploration back to Florida where it needs to be! I’m not about to leave space exploration to the Russians or the Chinese.

If you would like to build support for Cecil Field as a viable option for space industry opportunities, please send an email to Sen. Stephen Wise at wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov.

Kim J. Kendall, St. Augustine

Source: http://bit.ly/y2LMUE

By David Bauerlein
The Florida Times-Union.
January 5, 2012

A high-stakes legal battle that temporarily halted an Air Force contract generating 50 aircraft assembly jobs in Jacksonville will ground the contract for at least two months until a judge rules.

An order issued Thursday by federal Judge George W. Miller said he will rule “promptly as possible” after a Feb. 28 deadline for submission of all written arguments in the case.

Miller did not specify a date for his decision.

The Air Force awarded the $355 million contract Dec. 30 to Sierra Nevada Corp. of Sparks, Nev. Sierra Nevada is partnering with Brazil-based Embraer, which would use a hangar at Jacksonville International Airport for assembling the A-29 Super Tucano.

Rival bidder Hawker Beechcraft of Wichita, Kan., contends the Air Force wrongly excluded it from being considered for the contract. After the federal General Accounting Office rebuffed Hawker Beechcraft’s protest, the company filed suit Dec. 27 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Jacksonville has been trying for years to land a plane assembly operation. Currently, various aviation companies in the city do large-scale maintenance of planes and manufacture aircraft components.

Jacksonville Aviation Authority spokesman Michael Stewart said in the wake of the Air Force’s temporary order to stop work Wednesday, Embraer asked to postpone meetings about designing improvements at the hangar.

“From a local standpoint, yes, we are disappointed, but we understand this is part of the process,” he said.

Hawker Beechcraft has said it sued because the bidding process was marred by “inconsistent, irregular and constantly changing requirements.”

The company sought a temporary restraining order while the suit proceeds. The Air Force then decided to stop work and asked the judge to rule quickly.

The request noted the Air Force wants delivery of the planes by April 2013.

david.bauerlein@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4581

Source: http://bit.ly/xen5KB

January 5, 2012

The $355 million U.S. Department of Defense contract awarded last week that would allow Embraer to build the Super Tucano military aircraft at Jacksonville International Airport and create 50 jobs was put on hold Wednesday by the Air Force, according to the Wall Street Journal.   

Sierra Nevada Corp. was awarded the contract after its main competitor, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft, was excluded in a “pre-award exclusion.” Hawker Beechcraft filed suit against the U.S. government Dec. 27 seeking answers for its exclusion and contesting the decision.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Air Force put a temporary “stop-work” order to Sierra Nevada on Wednesday. Lt. Wesley Miller, an Air Force spokesman, said the Air Force was “confident in the merits of its contract award decision and anticipates the litigation will be quickly resolved,” according to the paper.

Sierra Nevada Corp. also released a statement in response to the stop-work order.

“We remain confident that the issue will resolved expeditiously,” said the company. “The A-29 Super Tucano, built in America, is the right solution for the LAS mission.”

Jerry Mallot, JAXUSA Partnership president, said last week that protests from companies that do not win such contracts are “almost automatic.” The Hawker lawsuit was a different course of action due to its inability to file a formal protest, he said.

“We’re not worried because Embraer had the best product,” Mallot said last week.

January 5, 2012

Contract followed Mayor Brown's visit to Brazil, meeting with U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force has put a contract that would bring 55 military aircraft construction jobs to Jacksonville on hold until a lawsuit from a losing bidder is settled.

Mayor Alvin Brown announced last week that the Pentagon had signed off on a deal for the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to build its Super Tucano light attack turboprops in Jacksonville.
Brown said he and Gov. Rick Scott worked on the deal during development trip to Brazil two months ago, then Brown met with Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley in Washington last month to get the Pentagon's support of a $355 million deal with Sierra Nevada Corp. to have Embraer assemble the aircraft for U.S. military use.
Hawker Beechcraft has sued after the contract was awarded, claiming it was wrongly exluded from the bidding. The Air Force says it expects to win the litigation, but has put all work on the project on hold until the case is settled.
Embraer has committed to assemble aircraft at a facility at Jacksonville International Airport. Brown says the project will initially create 50 high-wage jobs and represents millions of dollars in economic investment.

Source: http://bit.ly/yAUtV2

By Drew Dixon
The Florida Times-Union
January 4, 2012

A top administrator at the Florida Coastal School of Law has been appointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board.

Gov. Rick Scott nominated Teresa Davlantes for the JAA board. Davlantes is the vice dean of the Florida Coastal School of Law. Davlantes, 53, would serve a four-year term if confirmed by the Florida Senate. Davlantes has been vice dean of the Florida Coastal School of Law since 2005.

Source: http://bit.ly/zIAX4I

CHICAGO
January 2, 2012

Priva Technologies, Inc. has launched its new Flex Pass program that provides travelers with fast-track access to airport security checkpoints, Bill Sibert, president of Priva, announced today.

“We will be rolling out our Flex Pass initiative nationwide over the next several months and throughout 2012 after a successful startup over the New Year weekend at Jacksonville International Airport,” according to Sibert.
Users present their Flex Pass IDs at designated fast-track lanes when they arrive at the airport and move directly to TSA screening stations.  Frequent flyers may purchase annual membership in the program online at [www.go-flex.com] or at Flex locations at the airport.  Flex Day Passes are also available allowing leisure travelers to avoid the longer, standard security lines.

“Purchasing an annual Flex Pass or a Flex Day Pass is an easy, non-invasive process. A minimum of information is requeste—the user’s name, home or business address, email address and a credit card. You do not have to provide any personal information beyond that; nor do you need to be subjected to biometric scans,” says Sibert.  
A Flex Pass Annual Membership costs $150 per year, but Priva offers an introductory rate of $100 per year.  The Flex Day Pass (valid for one day’s usage) is $20 per day.

Priva says it is in various stages of negotiation with a number of “undisclosed airports” with the goal of establishing and expanding a Flex Pass network throughout the U.S.

“Providing an outstanding, innovative airport experience for our passengers is a top priority and Flex will provide a new level of convenience. We are pleased to be working with Priva Technologies to bring Flex to Jacksonville,” said Steve Grossman, Executive Director/CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.

Flex Pass is the newest consumer offering from Priva Technologies, Inc., a provider of advanced authentication technologies and transaction processing solutions for a variety of government, enterprise, and consumer markets. The company was founded in 1999 and is a leader in the field of identity verification.

About Priva Technologies
Founded in 1999, Priva Technologies is a privately-held Delaware Corporation that specializes in the development of advanced hardware and software-based authentication security platforms for the government, enterprise, transportation, and retail markets.  Priva Technologies' flagship product, the Cleared? Security Platform, is the most comprehensive and powerful authentication solution available today. For more information, please visit www.priva-tech.com.

Source: http://bit.ly/vcjGkP

David Chapman, Staff Writer
January 3, 2012

Embraer officials are expected in Jacksonville this week to provide more details about the long-awaited deal to assemble the Super Tucano military aircraft at Jacksonville International Airport, creating 50 jobs. The contract to build the planes was approved last week by the U.S. Department of Defense. A year ago, City Council approved incentives for the project, which promised an average salary of $49,500, plus benefits.

Jerry Mallot, president of the JAXUSA Partnership economic development division of JAX Chamber, said he believes the deal could be the harbinger of more development by Embraer in Jacksonville.

“We do believe it’s a tip of the iceberg for Embraer,” Mallot said. “We are dealing with a great company.”
Mallot said the deal was not so much about the number of jobs but the result of bringing a company that will, for the first time, “assemble, build and send off” military planes.

The $355 million defense contract was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corp. It will partner with Embraer, based in Brazil, to build the single-engine turboprop planes at a 40,000-square foot hangar at Jacksonville International Airport.
Last January, City Council approved a Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund of $150,000 for Embraer contingent upon the contract. Under the QTI, the City will refund $30,000 and the state will be responsible for $120,000.
Embraer’s main competition for the contract, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft, filed suit against the U.S. government Tuesday over its exclusion, according to The Wichita Eagle newspaper.

Hawker Beechcraft was excluded from the competition in a “pre-award exclusion” according to the newspaper, and Hawker officials are trying to learn the reason.

Mallot said the suit would likely have no effect on Embraer’s award and such protests are “almost automatic” from companies that do not win.

Mallot said the difference in this case is that the company cannot file a protest and instead has to take a different avenue through the courts.

“We’re not worried because Embraer had the best product,” Mallot said.

Mayor Alvin Brown called the award announcement “great economic news for Jacksonville” and cited efforts to make the city “the most military and business-friendly city in the United States.”

Embraer is expected to generate an annual payroll of about $2.5 million and invest $1.8 million in assembly equipment, according to Joe Whitaker, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission targeted industries coordinator, in his presentation last year to the Council Finance Committee.

“Bring us some more,” said then committee Chair Warren Jones.

dchapman@baileypub.com, 356-2466

Source:  http://bit.ly/y2s1rZ

John Burr, Editor, Jacksonville Business Journal
December 30, 2011

Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer Friday won a Defense Department contract to manufacturer military aircraft in Jacksonville.

The contact, totaling $355 million, represents 50 high-wage jobs initially at an Embraer facility at Jacksonville International Airport. Mayor Alvin Brown, who lobbied heavily for the contract, said the company could begin hiring in January.

“This is great economic news for Jacksonville,” Brown said in a news release. “The award reaffirms that Jacksonville is the most military and business friendly city in the United States.”

"It's about tapping our skilled workforce," Brown said in a phone interview. "We have graduates of the best colleges and universities here – the Naval Academy, West Point. They come here, serve and exit – why not tap that?"

Sierra Nevada Corporation will partner with Embraer to supply Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft to be used in Afghanistan and other nations. The planes, the A-29 Super Tucanos, will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations. The contract calls for the manufacture of 20 planes, plus providing training and other support services to the U.S. Air Force.

The Mayor emphasized the importance of the team approach to economic development – the Jacksonville Aviation Authority , JaxUSA partnership, congressional delegates and Gov Rick Scot were among those who traveled to Brazil to meet with Embraer executives, in addition to Brown.

The A-29 Super Tucano is currently flown by five air forces and on order by others, according to an Embraer news release. The company said the planes are credited with helping the Colombian government defeat the FARC insurgency.

Source: http://bit.ly/stTv6K

By Jeff Brumley
The Florida Times-Union.
December 30, 2011

Jim McGuffin of Neptune Beach is in the plywood import business and Aaron Bowman of Jacksonville works in the ship repair and construction industry. And their views about a new service reducing airport security wait times are as different as their professions.

The fee-based program, called Flex, was launched Friday at Jacksonville International Airport. It allows participating travelers to jump to the front of the security line regardless of how busy it is. Flex customers must still go through the full security process, but airport officials and the company that provides the service say it will cut curb-to-gate wait times drastically at peak hours.

The company, Priva Technologies of California, said the service is being marketed especially for frequent business travelers.

Background checks are not required. The cost is $150 a year, though for a limited time the cost is $100.

“And if you don’t travel that often and you get to the airport and the line is long, you can get to the front of the line for $20,” said Fred Fischer, Priva’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Even at $20 for the day pass, McGuffin said, the service doesn’t interest him because he generally isn’t bothered by waiting to go through security. Besides, he flies maybe six times a year and always arrives early.

“I’ve never waited more than five or 10 minutes, anyway,” he said.

But Bowman, who flies at least twice a month, said he’s interested in the pass even though he arrives at the airport more than an hour ahead of his flights.

Often he’s leaving the office for a late morning or afternoon flight. Knowing he can get through security without waiting in line would give him another 30 minutes in the office before having to leave for JIA.

What would be better, Bowman said, is if the card would work at other airports.

Fischer said that is in the works. Priva is negotiating with 23 other American airports to install the system. It’s also seeking an agreement with another company that operates a similar program in Orlando and Denver.

“The key word is ‘inter-operability,’ ” said Michael Stewart, a spokesman for JIA. That would allow customers carrying one company’s card to get through the line operated by a different company.

It’s what used to be the case until 2009, when similar programs ceased at JIA and dozens of other airports because some of the operators went out of business, Stewart said.

Flex and other programs like it are similar to the preferred flyer programs offered by some airlines for their top customers. It is not similar to the program the TSA runs that gets some passengers through security with minimum security checks, Fischer said.

Passengers interested in the Flex program can purchase passes online at www.Go-Flex.com. Fischer said a kiosk will soon be installed at JIA enabling travelers to use a credit card to purchase passes at security.

jeff.brumley@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4310

Source: http://bit.ly/uviDSE

By Tiffany Griffith 
December 30, 2011
 
Call it a delayed Christmas present: Jacksonville will start off the new year with a major company bringing jobs to the First Coast.

Mayor Alvin Brown just got word that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, will start building military planes at Jacksonville International Airport. The money to bring them here is coming from the Defense Department.

"It's a $355 million contract and it's going to immediately create 50 jobs for our great city," says Brown.

Brown says the push to bring Embraer here was an effort by local, state and federal leaders who traveled between South America and Washington, D.C. Mayor Brown credited the broad coalition of public and private sector partners which joined forces to make this achievement possible. "This announcement is yet another example of what we can accomplish when we work together," said Mayor Brown. "Today's success was a real team effort."

Brown pledged to work closely with Embraer to make its aircraft assembly efforts a success. "I have developed a great working relationship with U.S. Embraer President Gary Spulak and his team, and look forward to our doing whatever the City can to be a good partner in this critical initiative for our armed forces and our economy."

Be looking for those job openings as early as the first few months of 2012. For more information, visit the Embraer website.

Source: http://bit.ly/vXYBvS

April 18, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority today welcomed its newest tenant to Cecil Airport – KCI Aviation – during a groundbreaking ceremony on a new hangar and office facility.

KCI Aviation, a West Virginia-based maintenance and repair organization specializing in corporate aircraft, is expanding its business in the Southeast with the expansion at Cecil Airport.

“Expanding at Cecil Airport provides us the room to grow our business in the southeastern market,” said Chuck Koukoulis, KCI Aviation President. “In Jacksonville, we will have the ideal aircraft maintenance facility coupled with a highly trained, talented and experienced workforce. It’s the best place to grow our business.”

KCI Aviation currently has aircraft maintenance facilities in West Virginia and Oklahoma.

Construction on the new aircraft maintenance facility for KCI Aviation is expected to be completed in March 2013. The construction will include a parking lot, aircraft ramp space, and approximately 30,000 square feet of office, workshop and hangar space.

“We’re thrilled to welcome KCI Aviation to Cecil Airport,” said JAA Executive Director and CEO Steve Grossman. “We’re confident this partnership will be beneficial for KCI Aviation and for the future of Cecil Airport.”

KCI Aviation will join other aviation entities currently at Cecil Airport, including The Boeing Company, Flightstar Aircraft Services, Inc., Jacksonville Jetport, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Army National Guard, US Customs & Border Protection, US Navy Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, LSI and Florida State College at Jacksonville Aviation Center of Excellence.

The Jacksonville AviationAuthority has received an ‘A’ rating from Fitch Ratings for its $157 million ofseries 2003 and its series 2006 airport revenue bonds for the JacksonvilleInternational Airport.

According to Fitch’s report,the Authority received this rating due to its flat-to-decreasing debt serviceprofile, moderate cost recovery framework, midsized origination/destinationenplanement base, modest capital program, and manageable leverage and adequateliquidity.

Though enplanements are downthis fiscal year, Fitch Ratings said the airport’s importance in the First Coastarea along with the region’s growth prospects make for a high travel demand inthe future.

“We’re very pleased thatFitch has affirmed our ‘A’ rating,” said Richard Rossi, JAA’s Chief FinancialOfficer. “The affirmation of our credit rating is a reflection of JAA’soperations and our emphasis on controlling costs in the current economicenvironment.”

Less than half of theairport’s cash flow comes from the airlines. Parking and concession make up therest of the operating revenue.

The moderately sized capitalprogram totals $144.3 million through 2016 which will be mostly funded byairport revenue and grants.

Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s Cecil Airport has been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration Southern Region for its efforts in safety. Awards are based on the development and implementation of specific programs, or other accomplishments, that resulted in improved safety.

Cecil Airport put into practice several programs that improved the safety of the airport including the design and execution of a Safety Management System (SMS) program, an Annual Safety Fair, a Wildlife Hazard Assessment, and an overview of the airport’s safety initiatives and accomplishments.

Cecil Airport is the first general aviation airport to design and execute a Safety Management System (SMS) program, which undoubtedly helped to secure the award in the Southeast.

"The Cecil Airport team is outstanding, and richly deserves this award," said Winsome A. Lenfert, Airports Division Manager, FAA Southern Region. "Under Rusty Chandler's leadership, they maintain a strong forward-looking focus on safety in all aspects of airport operations."

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award,” said Rusty Chandler, Cecil Airport Manager. “With management’s vision, employee knowledge and training, tenant participation and community involvement, Cecil Airport effectively enhanced its safety culture via implementation of various airport programs, improvements and initiatives.”

The Southern Region is comprised of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. According to the 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems Report, this region is home to approximately 428 general aviation and 55 reliever airports.

January 25, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board of Directors has accepted a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to conduct an Environmental Assessment, which will examine the environmental impacts and investigate the feasibility of the operation of a Concept 'Y' Horizontal Launch - Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) at Cecil Spaceport.

While Concept 'X' and Concept 'Z' Vehicles take-off using the typical turbojet engines to reach a predetermined location and altitude before igniting a rocket engine, Concept 'Y' Vehicles are powered by a rocket engine for the entire span of their operation.

In January 2010, after completing the original Environmental Assessment and Launch Site Operator's License application process, JAA was issued a Commercial Spaceport license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The license allows the airport to accommodate 52 horizontal takeoffs annually of sub-orbital horizontal launch vehicles.

“While preparing the original Spaceport Environmental Assessment for Cecil Spaceport, the Concept ‘Y’ Vehicle was not included as a result of a lack of available performance data and proprietary nature of existing data,” said Todd Lindner, JAA Senior Manager-Aviation Planning and Spaceport Development. “With the continuing evolution of the Concept ‘Y’ Vehicle, more performance-based data has become available, which will be used for incorporation into the environmental analysis.”

Lindner added that JAA does not anticipate significant environmental impacts will occur as a result of the operation of the Concept 'Y' Vehicle. Once the Environmental Assessment is complete, JAA plans to modify the existing Launch Site Operators License to incorporate the Concept 'Y' Vehicle.

Cecil Airport is one of 12 Commercial Spaceports in the United States, one of eight maintaining licensed horizontal launch capabilities, and the only one in Florida.

January 23, 2012

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board of Directors today approved a lease with KCI Aviation for the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot hangar facility at Cecil Airport.

“We are extremely excited to expand our operations to Jacksonville and Cecil Airport,” said Charles A. Koukoulis, president and CEO of KCI Aviation. “Jacksonville has a great business-friendly environment, and Cecil is truly a diamond in the rough. It’s geographically well located and has ample land and facilities for our company’s growth potential. Strategically, it’s perfect for our business model.”

Helping companies fulfill their business needs is a priority emphasized by Florida Secretary of Commerce, Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization. “KCI’s expansion to Jacksonville demonstrates Florida’s ability to provide the right site and infrastructure that companies need to maximize their operations,” Swoope said. “We welcome KCI to our business community and will value the company’s contributions to our economic growth.”

KCI, which is based in Bridgeport, WV, specializes in inspection, maintenance and repair of business jets and turbo-props, notably those powered by Pratt and Whitney engines. KCI plans to hire a minimum of 30 workers by the end of 2014 with an approximate average annual wage of $46,000.

Construction of the new hangar and office facility is expected to begin in March with an anticipated completion date in early 2013.

“This is great news for Cecil Airport and Jacksonville,” said Steve Grossman, JAA’s Chief Executive Officer. “KCI Aviation is exactly the type of aerospace tenant we are trying to attract to Cecil. They are an excellent fit with our existing base of commercial and military clients.”

“Aviation and aerospace is a growing industry in Northeast Florida and plays a significant role in our local economy,” said Jerry Mallot, president of JAXUSA Partnership. “We welcome KCI Aviation and the new jobs and investment the company is creating in our community.”

Aviation and aerospace development is a targeted industry sector for both the State of Florida and City of Jacksonville. The state and city agreed to support the expansion of the company and associated new high-wage aerospace jobs by pledging expansion location assistance that will be awarded following the commencement of operations and creation of the promised new jobs.

Cecil Airport, a former Navy master jet base, consists of 6,000-plus acres, nearly 50 buildings, including 12 hangars, and a 12,500-foot main runway, one of the longest in Florida. Cecil is also the only licensed horizontal launch commercial spaceport on the East Coast.

Cecil Airport tenants include The Boeing Company, LSI, Pratt & Whitney – Woods Group, Flightstar Aircraft Services, Florida Army National Guard, Naval Air Systems Command Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, L-3 Com, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville JetPort and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In an effort to grow its estimated $2.9 billion annual impact on the local economy and to increase its estimated support for more than 30,000 local aviation-related jobs, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) continues to place an importance on the local business community. On June 21, 2010, JAA demonstrated their support of local businesses by formally adopting its Local Preference Program to encourage local businesses to participate in JAA’s competitive contract awards process.

During the first full year of program implementation, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority poured $29.1 million into the local economy through direct contracting relationships with local businesses. That’s 75 percent of JAA’s $38.7 million in total direct contract awards, which is up from 60 percent in fiscal year 2009.

“These contracting dollars are spent locally and generate business opportunities beyond the value of JAA’s direct contracts,” said JAA’s Executive Director/CEO Steve Grossman. “Each additional dollar circulated locally results in increased economic activity, employment growth and retention and increased tax revenue.”

While only a few contracts have been determined by the program, it has encouraged more participation by local businesses and out of town businesses that sub-contract with local companies. JAA established the Local Preference Program for businesses that have:

1. Maintained a “permanent place of business” in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, or St. Johns counties for at least one year prior to the solicitation for which preference is sought; and

2. At least three full-time employees who reside in the listed market area.

There are three types of preferences enjoyed by local businesses under the program, which include: (1) a five percent bid reduction preference on competitive bids; (2) a five point preference on evaluated bids or proposals; and (3) a tie-breaker preference.

Teresa H. Davlantes, Vice Dean of Florida Coastal School of Law, has been appointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board of Directors by Gov. Rick Scott.

Davlantes, 53, of Jacksonville, succeeds Deborah Pass-Durham for a four-year term ending September 30, 2015. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Davlantes has served as vice dean of Coastal Law School since 2005. From 2000 to 2005, she served in a variety of other roles at the Jacksonville law school, including interim associate academic dean, assistant academic dean, legal writing specialist and lawyering process instructor. Davlantes has also served on the Youth Crisis Center Board of Directors since 2009.

She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida and a Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate from Villanova University.