SANCAP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Lee County Port Authority Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin R. Siegel brings SanCap Chamber of Commerce members up to date on the Southwest Florida International Airport improvement campaigns at their business luncheon on Feb. 21 in Fort Myers.

On the heels of milestone achievements for the Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County Port Authority outgoing Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin R. Siegel revealed airport improvements through 2028 and beyond at the SanCap Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business luncheon on Feb. 21 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.

Having passed the 10 million-passenger milestone and scored the busiest December in airport history in 2023 — despite Hurricane Ian’s impact — the LCPA carries on with its three-phrase, multimillion-dollar projects to continue to meet growth and high-season demands, Siegel said. The phase one, $331 million terminal expansion project currently underway will consolidate the airport’s three checkpoints into one, giving all passengers access to all restaurant and retail facilities, which will greatly expand.

“By the end of the day, you’re going to have a whole new experience,” he said, emphasizing no property taxes will be used to fund the projects.

Phase two will add 14 gates to Concourse E. Targeted for completion in 2027, it is estimated to cost $800 million. Project three will improve and expand rental car facilities and parking by 2028 for about $320 million.

“I’m very excited to talk about our ultimate build-out,” Siegel said, touching on 2042 and beyond. “One thing I get a lot of questions about is when is a parallel runway coming, we only have one runway? But it’s not really justified until after 2040 … based on its impact on the entire air national system.”

He also showed maps of the forthcoming 1,100-acre Skyplex that will develop across from JetBlue Park with aeronautical services, office space, and retail and hospitality outlets.

“It is really in the heart of the whole area,” Siegel said. “It’s really a gem in terms of the economic development of Lee County.

Retiring on April 1, he ended by introducing his forthcoming replacement, current LCPA Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Steven Hennigan.

“RSW is the heartbeat of tourism and economy for our islands, so its future is our future,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “Ben has always kept us on our toes where local air transportation is concerned, and we look forward to working with Hennigan in the same capacity.”

Lai also introduced his replacement for southwest regional director of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, a position he has served alongside his role at the chamber since Ian, to keep both organizations thriving during frugal times. Chris Lopez, formerly the regional manager of external affairs for Tampa Electric, will step up to the position.

Another new player on the local tourism support team, Kizzy Sanchez spoke as the new regional partnership manager for Visit Florida, the state’s marketing agency.

The luncheon was held in partnership with the FRLA and sponsored by Stevens Construction.