Winter Haven's new airport director is hoping to bring some new life to the quiet facility.
Leo Treggi is proposing that a shopping center be built on airport property. The city has about 30 available acres along U.S. 92 that could be used for such a project.
"The whole idea is, I believe airports should be self-sustaining, so it should support itself," Treggi said.
So far, city commissioners seem to like the idea of a shopping center.
Treggi is fine-tuning plans that could be pitched to potential developers.
"Disposing of airport property is a difficult process, so it's likely to be a long-term lease so we can comply with the regulations," Treggi said.
The developer would likely be asked to pay a lease rather than purchase the property. Lease fees could help offset the annual $500,000 subsidy the airport receives from the city.
Treggi is also working to attract more aviation businesses to the airport to bring in more income.