As we track the quickly developing storm in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is bracing for impact this week. Once again, the businesses and teams at Albert Whitted Airport are preparing to support residents and local authorities before, during and after the storm – a reminder of the critical role AWA plays during Florida’s volatile storm season.
Before the Storm: A Hub for Preparedness
As storms approach and make landfall in Florida, the ability to respond quickly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death. While large airports and government agencies often take center stage during these events, smaller airports like Albert Whitted Airport play a crucial role in the storm response and recovery process.
In the days leading up to a storm, Albert Whitted Airport becomes a vital hub for both local and regional preparation efforts. Its proximity to downtown St. Petersburg and local hospitals such as Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital positions the airport as a strategic location for staging emergency supplies, equipment, and personnel. Evacuation efforts also benefit from the airport’s location. As a central point in the city, it allows for quick and efficient movement of at-risk populations, including those requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency aircraft can be on standby, ready to transport patients to safer locations or bring in specialized medical teams.
During the Storm: A Lifeline for Emergency Operations
As storms hit, access to reliable infrastructure is critical. Albert Whitted Airport’s robust facilities and strategic location on the waterfront allow it to serve as a lifeline for emergency operations. The airport can remain operational for small aircraft even when larger airports face closures or capacity issues due to weather conditions. This capability is particularly important for medical evacuations, rapid deployment of search and rescue teams, and the delivery of essential supplies to downtown St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. And the airport’s proximity to major roadways and its central location ensure that once supplies or personnel land, they can be quickly distributed to areas in need. This rapid response capability is crucial in minimizing the impact of the storm and saving lives.
After the Storm: A Gateway to Recovery
Once the storm has passed, the airport becomes a gateway for the influx of aid, whether in the form of federal assistance, non-profit organizations, or volunteers arriving to help rebuild and restore the community. Additionally, the airport can facilitate the quick return of residents who evacuated and provide a base for continued medical support in the aftermath of the storm.
Importantly, the airport also serves as a jumping-off point and logistics headquarters to assist when storms impact people and infrastructure in areas like the Florida Panhandle and the Caribbean.
Sol Relief’s Pivotal Role in Disaster Relief
Sol Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disaster relief through aviation, has consistently been at the forefront of emergency response efforts during Florida’s most devastating storms. By leveraging the unique capabilities of small aircraft and the strategic location of Albert Whitted Airport, Sol Relief ensures that essential supplies and support reach those in need, even in the most challenging circumstances.
During Hurricane Irma in September 2017, Sol Relief swiftly mobilized at Albert Whitted Airport to provide critical assistance. As one of Florida’s most powerful storms, Irma required a highly coordinated response. Sol Relief used the airport as a central hub to pre-position supplies, deploy emergency personnel, and transport patients to safety when larger airports were incapacitated. Their efforts were instrumental in the immediate aftermath of the storm, and as soon as the skies cleared, Sol Relief continued to operate out of Albert Whitted, facilitating the rapid entry of federal assistance teams and volunteers who distributed supplies to the hardest-hit communities.
Five years later, in September 2022, Sol Relief once again demonstrated its vital role during Hurricane Ian. With Albert Whitted Airport as its operational base, Sol Relief quickly organized flights to deliver food, water, medical supplies, and generators to areas devastated by the storm. Their fleet of smaller aircraft, capable of landing on shorter runways and reaching remote areas, enabled Sol Relief to access isolated communities that larger organizations could not support. Throughout both hurricanes, Sol Relief’s dedication and efficiency, combined with the strategic advantages of Albert Whitted Airport, made a significant impact on the recovery efforts, providing life-saving assistance to those in desperate need.
Preparing for the Storm and Staying Safe
Preparation is key to staying safe and resilient in the face of severe weather. Here are a few essential tips to help you prepare for the next storm:
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Knowing when a storm is approaching gives you valuable time to prepare.
- Create an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Ensure you have enough to last at least 72 hours.
- Plan Your Evacuation Route: Know your evacuation zone and have a clear plan for where you’ll go if an evacuation order is issued. Map out multiple routes in case of road closures.
- Secure Your Home: Protect your home by installing storm shutters, securing outdoor furniture, and ensuring your roof and windows are in good condition. Trim trees and branches that could pose a hazard.
- Stay Connected: Make sure you have a way to communicate with family and emergency services, such as a charged phone with backup power sources or a hand-crank radio.
- Listen to Authorities: Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders. If an evacuation order is given, don’t delay—leave as soon as possible.
As we continue to face the challenges of increasingly severe storm seasons, the role of Albert Whitted Airport as a vital component of the region’s emergency infrastructure will only grow in importance. Its ability to connect the city, provide swift medical support, and serve as a hub for recovery efforts underscores the airport’s value far beyond its everyday operations.
In the face of storms, Albert Whitted Airport stands as a beacon of resilience and preparedness for St. Petersburg and beyond.