Thomas Jewsbury, the long-serving Airport Director of St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), is set to retire, ending a substantial tenure in aviation leadership that has lasted over three decades. With an official departure date of October 1, Jewsbury's retirement marks the end of an era of significant development for the airport, of which he has been an integral part since 1994.
After joining PIE in 1994, and being appointed to the top spot in 2015, Jewsbury was instrumental in ushering a period of growth that PIE hadn't seen before. Passenger traffic surged, new airlines were introduced, and the airport itself underwent a substantial facelift. Serving the airport for over 30 years, he managed fiscal feats, including major capital improvement projects over $197 million, as covered in a Pinellas County announcement.
Under Jewsbury's watch, the airport not only expanded its infrastructure with terminal upgrades and airfield enhancements but also carved a niche for itself as one of the fastest-growing U.S. airports. The partnerships he forged, particularly with Allegiant Air and other carriers, broadened the horizons for the Tampa Bay region, providing a slew of travel options.
"Serving as Director of PIE has been the honor of my professional life," Jewsbury reflected to Pinellas County, acknowledging the collective accomplishment achieved during his time. "I am proud of what we have accomplished together – from welcoming new destinations to improving the passenger experience – and I am grateful to our dedicated airport staff, community partners and travelers who have made PIE such a special place."
