MORE IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO THE CRESTVIEW BOB SIKES AIRPORT

More improvements being made the the Bob Sikes Airport. Some have said, it is the jewel of the County for economic growth. Great Job Airport Director.


Bob Sikes Airport proposals show ‘innovation’ and ‘vision’
New contract for Fixed Base Operator to be offered soon
By BRIAN HUGHES Florida Freedom Newspapers

CRESTVIEW — Bob Sikes Airport is a step closer to a new 30-year contract for a Fixed Base Operator. A six-member committee has reviewed the proposals and selected Sunshine Aero and Emerald Coast Aviation to make presentations Aug. 6 to airport officials and business and community leaders. Sunshine Aero is the current FBO at the airport in Crestview. Emerald Coast Aviation is the FBO for DeFuniak Springs Airport. The expiration of Sunshine Aero’s contract led to the solicitation for new proposals. At least three companies, including Sunshine Aero, expressed interest in submitting proposals when bidding opened in May. Okaloosa County Airports Director Greg Donovan said he will recommend that county commissioners offer the winning FBO another 30-year contract to encourage development of airport infrastructure. “I’m very pleased with the initial content of the proposals I’ve thumbed through,” said Donovan. “There is some innovation and vision from the proposals.” Donovan acknowledged the timing of the request for proposals could have been better, given the current economic situation. However, two viable proposals were received, he said. Because of the sensitivity of the bidding process, Donovan declined to provide any details. “Right now we’re at the point of evaluation, so I don’t want to give away any thunder,” he said. Donovan has said he hopes the new FBO contract leads to improvements such as enhanced flight instruction facilities, an upgraded fuel tank farm and a general aviation terminal.