Volume I Issue I - Jacksonville Jetsetter

OCTOBER 2007 I VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
The Official Information and Visitor’s Guide for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Jacksonville International Airport • Craig Airport • Herlong Airport • Cecil Field
Our
Premier
Issue
First Coast
Aerospace
Touches Down at JIA
United States
Coast Guard
Makes Office Space
Holiday
Travel Tips
Getting Around
The First Coast
Welcome To
Our Inaugural
Issue!
Welcome to Jacksonville Jetsetter –
Jacksonville Jetsetter is a new quarterly magazine from
the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA).
Contents
JACKSONVILLE JETSETTER FALL 2007
FEATURE STORIES
PAGE 1
First Coast Aerospace
The launch of a new aircraft maintenance and repair
company based at Jacksonville International Airport
PAGE 2
Coast Guard Lease
The JAA was established in 2001 by the Florida legislature to operate Jacksonville’s
diversified, four-airport system that serves the commercial, business and
recreational aviation needs of the City of Jacksonville, Northeast Florida and
Southeast Georgia. The four airports, Jacksonville International Airport, Craig
Airport, Herlong Airport and Cecil Field, provide an economic impact to the
community that exceeds $2 billion.
A $1 million office building renovation that makes way
for the United States Coast Guard
The purpose of the Jacksonville Jetsetter is first and foremost to inform our
traveling public about our airports and the many services we offer. We also hope
you will find the Jetsetter entertaining.
PAGE 3
In addition to pertinent information and data about the four-airport system, each
issue of the Jetsetter will feature articles about Jacksonville, its people, its lifestyle
and its economy.
PAGE 2
Amelia Car Show
Classsics and hot rods highlight the 11th Annual 8 Flags
Car Show in historic downtown Fernandina Beach
Burger King Award
Jacksonville’s Arthur J. Lee is the recipient of the 2007
Burger King® Brand Leader Award
PAGE 4
Airport Art
Jacksonville is a vibrant and diverse community, and that is reflected in our airports.
How JIA sets aviation industry standards for airport art
programs in public places
Jacksonville International Airport is one of the fastest growing commercial airports
in the Southeast. We now serve over six million air travelers each year. To meet
the needs of the traveling public, we are expanding and improving our terminal.
The $380 million expansion project, that includes two new concourses, is
expected to be completed in Summer 2009.
PAGE 6
Pets and Travel
How careful planning on your pet’s behalf will help make
things go even more smoothly
PAGE 7
Cecil Field, a former U.S. Naval Air Station, is now home to more than a dozen
aviation-related companies and is fast becoming one of Northeast Florida’s prime
economic engines.
Airport Holiday Tips
Craig Field, located just minutes from downtown Jacksonville and the beaches,
handles an increasing number of corporate and general aviation flight operations.
Herlong Airport is the city’s primary airport for recreational aviation activities.
PAGE 12
As Jacksonville continues to grow, the JAA will be doing its part to make sure the
community’s aviation system is well-positioned to help foster quality growth while
maintaining safety as a top priority. We will continue to strive toward our goal of
operating the best airport system in the world.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this first issue of the Jacksonville Jetsetter and
I welcome your comments.
Sincerely,
John Clark
Executive Director /CEO
Jacksonville Aviation Authority
www.jaa.aero
Holiday planning to make the most of your journey –
safer and easier
Going The Distance
Craig Airport’s safety initiative for a 2000-foot
runway extension
PAGE 16
Living Legends Visit JAA
3 Tuskegee Airmen of the famous WWII Squadron take part
in an educational event for Jacksonville Public Schools
PAGE 16
JAA Holiday Chorus
JAA hosts community, church and school choral groups as
part of our Annual Holiday Choral Program
DEPARTMENTS
GETTING AROUND JIA
AREA HIGHLIGHT: CLAY COUNTY
YOUR JIA TEAM
RECIPE FEATURE
DINING REVIEW: SALT
JAA BUSINESS PROGRAMS
8-9
10
10
11
13
17
New Moves
at JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
First Coast
Aerospace Inc.
A Perfect
Fit
The new aviation company lands at
Jacksonville International Airport –
operating with a major commercial
airline retrofit contract for Airbus.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority and First Coast Aerospace Inc. have
announced the launch of a new aircraft maintenance and repair company
based at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).
First Coast Aerospace, founded by industry veterans Merrill L. Woods and
Gilmer “Tripp” Carter III, may be a start-up operation, but it’s kicking off
operations with a significant project.
The 12-employee company won a contract to replace all
the seating in a fleet of Frontier Airlines’ planes. The
first of the 10 Airbus 318s and 49 Airbus 319s to be
retrofitted with new, lighter seats and TV monitors
has arrived at JAX. Under terms of the contract,
First Coast Aerospace workers must complete
the seating retrofit and have each plane on its
way in 36 hours. It will take 15 months to
complete work on all 59 planes.
In addition to the seat modification project,
First Coast Aerospace has been contracted
to handle the ground support operations on
Frontier Airlines jets that arrive at JAX.
Denver-based Frontier initiated non-stop
service between Jacksonville and Denver
last month.
Woods and Carter started First Coast Aerospace after nearly 50 years of
combined aircraft maintenance experience with major airlines and aircraft
maintenance and repair operators. Between them, Woods and Carter
(vice president and general manager) have performed maintenance and
repair on most types of commercial aircraft now flying in the U.S.
“The aviation market is growing and we see a strong need for a repair
facility like First Coast Aerospace,” Carter said. “A number of
factors are driving demand. The number of low-cost
carriers continues to grow; airlines are outsourcing
more and more of their repair and maintenance work;
and, the fleet of aircraft in the U.S. is aging.”
“First Coast
Aerospace is
exactly the kind of
promising company
we want to attract
to Jacksonville.”
First Coast Aerospace is housed in a 49,900square-foot office and hangar facility leased
from Signature Flight Support, one of two
fixed-based operators at the airport.
Interestingly, it is the same hangar that had
been occupied by Flightstar Aircraft Services
until it outgrew the space and moved its
fast-growing operations to Cecil Field.
John Clark
“First Coast Aerospace is exactly the kind
of promising company we want to attract to
Jacksonville,” said John Clark, CEO and Executive
Director of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority,
which owns and manages JAX, Cecil, Herlong and
Craig Airport. “The fact that Frontier and First Coast
Aerospace selected Jacksonville speaks well for our burgeoning
aviation industry.”
CEO and Executive Director of the
Jacksonville Aviation Authority
“As a start-up company, we are thrilled about our
relationship with a major carrier such as Frontier Airlines,”
said Woods, who serves as president of First Coast Aerospace.
“We intend to show Frontier and the aviation industry that we have the
expertise and capability here in Jacksonville to perform at the highest level.”
“We look forward to working with First Coast as they help make our
award-winning product even more comfortable and fuel-efficient,” said
Frontier Airlines Senior Vice President of Operations Chris Collins. “And
we are confident that First Coast Aerospace will do a great job retrofitting
our Airbus fleet.”
“This is a wonderful new addition to our growing aviation sector both
at JAX and Cecil Field,” said Jerry Mallot, executive vice president of
the Cornerstone economic development program and executive vice
president of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Aviation
maintenance, repair and overhaul is one of our targeted industries in
the Jacksonville area and this announcement is great news.”
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 1
JAA APPROVES
A NEW LEASE
WITH THE COAST
GUARD AT CECIL
FIELD IN A DEAL
THAT PAVES THE
United States
Coast Guard
WAY FOR 72
ADDITIONAL
WORKERS
MAKES OFFICE SPACE WITH JAA
On July 16, 2007,
The Jacksonville Aviation
Authority’s Board of
Directors voted to renovate
and lease an existing
32,746-square-foot office
building at Cecil Field to the
United States Coast Guard.
As part of the agreement, the JAA will invest
up to $1 million to renovate and modernize the
two-story building. When operated as Cecil Field
Naval Air Station, the building had been used as an
F-18 simulation training and administration facility.
The Coast Guard will lease the building for five
years at an annual rental rate of $590,646, or
$2,953,230 over five years.
The U.S. Coast has leased space at Cecil Field since
2001. But as the unit phases out its existing fleet of
eight Augusta helicopters and replaces them with
12 Dolphin H-65 helicopters, it will need more office
and storage space to accommodate the additional
staff. The phased expansion is expected to increase
the Coast Guard’s workforce from the existing 168
employees to 240 employees.
“The Coast Guard has been a great tenant for the
past six years,” said Bob Simpson, Senior Director,
Cecil Field. “These improvements and lease terms
are a win-win for both the U.S. government and
the JAA.”
The JAA has owned and managed Cecil Field’s
airstrips and aviation assets since 1999. Presently,
there are 17 tenants operating at Cecil Field with
a total workforce of 2,500 people.
Cruising In Historic Amelia
At The 11th Annual 8 Flags Car Show
On October 20, 2007, the Amelia Cruizers Car Club is hosting its 11th Annual 8 Flags Car
Show on historic Centre Street in beautiful downtown Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Cruizers
is a group of car enthusiasts based on Amelia Island in Northeastern Florida; however, many
of our members are from Southeast Georgia and Jacksonville. Proceeds from the 8 Flags Car
Show go to charity, and in the past 10 years, the Amelia Cruizers have given over $63,000
to charity. Amelia Cruizers, Inc. is a Florida 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and a member
of the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee (AIFBY) Chamber of Commerce.
The beneficiaries of our 2007 show are the Justin Hess Scholarship Foundation, Camden County
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), and Nassau County Council on Aging.
These charities have special meaning to our members. Every one of these organizations needs
our help, and we need your help in order to give them as much as we possibly can.
With the blessings of the City of Fernandina Beach and the Downtown Merchants, last year
we had over 237 cars enter our show and 10,000 spectators came to Amelia Island to view the
cars in our beautiful seaport city. Our event begins on Friday night with a Welcome Party for
our entrants during which time they pick up their programs and “goody bags” while enjoying
live music and a “light buffet.” Over the past two years, our Show Chairman has attempted to
make our car show a getaway weekend event, and last year it appeared to happen as there
were few rooms available on the island during that weekend. Not only do we advertise our
event locally with the car show entrant and spectators in mind, but we also advertise for
spectators from as far away as Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Tallahassee and Daytona Beach.
The show cars line both sides of beautiful tree-lined Centre Street from the waterfront to
8th Street. We feature last year’s Best of Show and People’s Choice cars directly in front of
the Historic Courthouse. Our fabulous Disc Jockey has enough speakers to reach the entire
eight-block area of the show. Everyone has a marvelous time viewing the cars, hearing the
music, enjoying delicious food at the numerous restaurants and beginning their holiday
shopping at the many quaint shops, all within the downtown historic district.
For a sampling of our show, please take a look at our web site www.ameliacruizers.org.
2 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
-Bruce H. McMullen
AWhopper
Of An Award
LOCAL BURGER KING® FRANCHISEE WINS
GLOBAL BRAND LEADER AWARD
Arthur J. Lee, president and owner of Lee Wesley Restaurants, LLC is the recipient of
the 2007 Burger King® Brand Leader Award. Lee was selected as one of only 18
awardees out of more than 10,000 franchises worldwide to receive this award for his
accomplishments as a Burger King® franchisee. This prestigious award is presented to
owners who demonstrate their commitment to Burger King Corporation’s brand
leadership, restaurant operations and customer service.
“Arthur Lee embodies all the characteristics that we look for in a brand leader and
more. His understanding of our business and proactive leadership enables him to
make great contributions to the brand,” said Chuck Fallon, president, Burger King
North America.
Burger King corporate executives worldwide
recognized the strong financial strength,
exceptional customer service and overall
operational excellence of Lee’s franchises.
In 2004, Lee assumed ownership
of three Burger King restaurants in
Jacksonville: Northside-Kings Road;
Downtown-Union and Market
Streets; and the Jacksonville
International Airport. The restaurants
are among the top 10 Burger King
franchises in North America for
operational excellence and are
among the most profitable locations,
not only in Florida, but globally.
“His enthusiasm
and encouragement
are infectious. He is
a master at getting
employees to embrace
his philosophy
of excellence.”
Rodney Smith
“His enthusiasm and encouragement
are infectious. He is a master at getting
employees to embrace his philosophy of
excellence,” said Rodney Smith, Union Street
Store Manager. “He motivates employees on every
level to accept his challenge and exceed customer
expectations…that’s what we do everyday.”
Union Street Store Manager
Lee’s innovative thinking helped reposition his restaurants. He rebuilt the Kings
Road location, spawning revitalization of the area with new buildings and other
businesses following suit. To this location and others, Lee added a touch of
technology with free Wi-Fi, making each restaurant a welcoming place to dine,
socialize and, if necessary, work.
“We work diligently every day to satisfy our guests with great food in a clean
environment,” said Lee. “My philosophy is simple…customers associate Burger King
with the people and the atmosphere in which they dine– both must be exceptional.”
In addition to his accomplishments as a Burger King franchise owner, Lee operates
additional successful food/hospitality management companies, Lee Wesley Groups,
Lee Wesley Properties, and Lee Wesley & Associates in Orlando, with a presence in
prominent arenas in Florida, including The Amway Arena, the Citrus Bowl and the
Bob Carr Entertainment Center. The Lee Wesley companies employ more than
400 team members.
A Holiday Favorite
Returns With Historic
Christmas Performance
Seasoned performer, composer and criticallyacclaimed music historian Bobby Horton is
passionate about American history. In Songs and
Stories From A Christmas Gathering 1880, Horton
once again treats THCA audience members to the
colonial days when the celebration of Christmas
was prohibited.
For three performances at the Thrasher-Horne
Center for the Arts (THCA) Friday, Nov. 30,
Saturday, Dec. 1 (both at 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday,
Dec. 2 (at 3:00 p.m.), Horton will perform his holiday
program which chronicles the struggles of the early
colonial settlers and the humble beginnings of the
small ceremonies that grew so popular with settlers
that Congress finally declared Christmas a Federal
holiday in 1870.
Focusing on the year 1880, Horton, dressed in
period clothing and using instruments of the time,
transports audience members to a Christmas party,
where socializing, dining, party games and the vital
component of music were key to the celebration.
“Songs From A Christmas Gathering 1880 includes
minstrel tunes, Civil War songs, folk hymns,
the music of Stephen Foster, and of course oldfashioned Christmas carols,” said Horton.
The intimate evening includes a Southern sweets
holiday reception for patrons, and concludes when
Horton invites the audience to participate in an
old-fashioned Christmas carol sing-a-long.
Tickets for all seats are $15, and can be purchased by calling
the THCA Box Office at 904-276-6750 or www.THcenter.org.
The THCA is owned and operated by St. Johns River
Community College and is located on the college’s Orange
Park Center at 283 College Drive.
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 3
Javier Marin’s
Hoy Es Hoy
Art Takes
Flight at JIA
THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE AND JIA ARTS COMMISSION ARE SETTING
BOLD NEW STANDARDS FOR ART IN PUBLIC PLACES – STARTING AT
THE JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
4 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
Today, airport art programs have
become an aviation industry standard.
The city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority had the foresight to recognize this need in 1999
and the Jacksonville International Airport Arts Commission was formed. The JIA Arts Commission is made up
of 12 volunteer members who meet once a month. The main responsibilities of the Commission are to run the
Haskell Gallery and Art Kiosks and commission large-scale permanent art pieces. The Haskell Gallery opened
in 1997 showcasing the collection of Preston Haskell, the gallery namesake. The gallery rotates exhibits every
two to three months and features local and national artists. The art kiosks also feature artist work and rotate
every three months.The permanent art collection at Jacksonville International Airport houses six pieces with an
additional five to be completed by October 2008. The six pieces include:
Habitation I, II & III
In 1997, artist Don Martin created the first permanent
artwork for Jacksonville International Airport. The two
176-foot murals depict the First Coast environment and
the flora and fauna of the 5-county area. The murals were
originally located in Baggage Claim. When that area of
the airport was expanded in 2004, the murals were saved
from destruction and relocated to the overhead area
opposite the Ticketing counters.
In 2005, Martin created the final center section for the
mural. Habitation II is an artistic timeline of Northeast
Florida beginning with early native inhabitants and
following with the first European settlers, development
of commercial agriculture and transportation and a 19th
century Jacksonville skyline. The over 500-foot-long
mural now stretches across the whole of Ticketing.
Don Martin, chair of the Flagler College Art
Department, lives in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Silver Rain
The kinetic sculpture, Silver Rain, located above the
escalator was designed by Tim Prentice of West
Cornwall, Connecticut, in 2001. The composition is in
the shape of a cylinder and is made up of 420 identical
kinetic elements of reflective aluminum. The sculpture is
20 feet in height and 15 feet in diameter. The individual
reflectors are designed to move with the slightest air
currents and are organized into seven groups, which
can revolve independently of each other.
Healing Palms on Etched Glass
The glass panels acting as the walls of the Departures
security screening were designed by Jim Draper of
Jacksonville, Florida. Draper created three original palm
tree designs using his Healing Palms painting series
as inspiration. The set of 48 panels provide functional art
to separate the courtyard area from security screening.
The Healing Palms series is Jim Draper’s best known
work and came to life during visits to Cumberland Island,
Georgia. The Healing Palms express the resilient nature
of a palm tree and the fortitude it holds to stand against
hurricanes, wind, and fire.
many different cultures—Mexican, Native American,
and Asian. This piece is representative of the Airport’s
value of multi-culturalism and places the City on an
international level for public art. Additionally, to the
JIA Arts Commission, Hoy es Hoy is the first piece by
an international artist placed at the Airport and
symbolizes the forward thinking and positive progress
of our program.
Migration of the Paper
Airplanes
The River
The sculpture located on the 3rd floor of the Parking
Garage, above the moving sidewalk, was designed by
David Engdahl in 2004. 150 aluminum “paper airplanes”
soar through the air supported by a runway of stainless
steel cables. This sculpture, in primary red, blue and
yellow, captures the childlike excitement of flight and
enlivens the overhead space.
David Engdahl is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, and
has been a sculptor and architect for more than 30 years.
He specializes in laminated wood sculptures and has
been showcased all over the world. His sculptures have
been displayed in the U.S. Embassies of Bahrain, Latvia,
Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Hoy es Hoy
The JIA Arts Commission purchased the sculpture Hoy es
Hoy from the J. Johnson Gallery to be placed in the
renovated ‘flag pavilion’ area. This new area (on the corner
of Pecan Park Road and Yankee Clipper Drive, adjacent to
the JAA Administration Building) features the sculpture set
against curved black granite walls with a waterfall.
Hoy es Hoy is a 14-foot bronze sculpture of a woman’s
head. The artist, Javier Marin drew his inspiration from
The River, by Peter Hite, a 500-foot mosaic located in
Baggage Claim, is about the stream of world culture.
Instead of using words to express the forces that shape
our world, it uses 300,000 postage stamps.
Countries tend to use postage stamps to mark time,
places, people and events. Combining these elements
together calls to mind the forces that have shaped
the world – directly and indirectly. Ideas from the
opposite side of the world can change us. Events that
happened more than a hundred years ago can still
affect us. Stamps can create a personal connection,
too. Maybe a stamp is recalled from childhood.
Seeing a postmark can call to mind the question,
“Where was I when this stamp was cancelled?”
Six rivers make up the mosaic – the Nile, Amazon,
St. Johns, Mississippi, Ganges and Yangtze. The
mosaic’s metaphor was created to parallel a traveler’s
viewpoint. From the air a traveler sees the geographic
elements that change the course of a river. And so it
is true with the mosaic. With the distance of time, the
elements that have shaped world culture become
more evident.
Upon landing, the traveler sees the details of the
landscape. As the viewer moves closer to the mosaic,
it is like landing. Details emerge to reveal the
particular forces that have shaped diverse cultures.
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 5
Good Tips #1
When Traveling
WithYour Pet…
from JACKSONVILLE JETSETTER
No Need To
Ruff It
Careful planning on your pet’s
behalf will help make things go
even more smoothly.
While no one can guarantee a trouble-free trip, the
good news is that the vast majority of pets traveling by air
get where they’re going in fine shape. Even better news:
Careful planning on your pet’s behalf will help make
things go even more smoothly.
Carry-on pets should have a collar and ID tag, but that’s not safe for pets
traveling below. Instead, put an ID tag on a piece of elastic around the pet’s
neck, and make sure contact information is written large and indelibly on the
outside of the crate. A water dish should be attached to the inside of the
door grate so airline personnel can add water without opening the door.
Animals move through the airline system as unaccompanied
cargo or as travelers’ baggage. Unaccompanied pets and
most animals traveling as baggage travel in pressurized
cargo holds, while some small pets are allowed into the
cabin as a carry-on. Before your pet flies:
weather is extreme or when air traffic is heaviest. Avoid peak travel days,
and be sure to choose flights that are on the ground when the temperature is
neither too hot nor too cold, not only at the departure airport but also at the
connecting and arriving airports. In summer, a night flight is likely better,
while the reverse is true in the winter.
Consider travel conditions. Don’t ship your pet when the
Choose a direct flight. If that’s not possible, try for a route
Talk to the airline. Some carriers – especially the no-frills
companies – don’t take animals at all. Those that do have limits on the
number of animals on a flight, typically two small pets in the passenger cabin,
and not much more than that in the cargo hold. You also need to know
where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers – health certificate, and so on – you’ll need to bring. Airlines charge extra fees even for
those pets who fly in a carry-on bag, so ask about it in advance so you won’t
be
surprised. Also be aware that some airlines won’t ship pets in the summer
months, with embargoes starting as early as mid-May.
Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn’t
recommended for elderly or ill animals, and is likewise ill-advised for the
pug-nosed breeds of dogs and cats. These animals find breathing a little
difficult under the best of circumstances, and the stress of airline travel
may be more than they can handle.
For pets who’ll be traveling in the cargo hold,
use a hard-sided carrier designed for air travel.
Make sure it’s in good condition (no cracks in the plastic, no rust on the
grating). The crate should be just big enough for your pet to stand up and
turn around in. Check and double-check that all the bolts securing the
halves of the carrier are in place and tightened.
Pets that are small enough to ride in the passenger cabin will be more
comfortable in a soft-sided carrier.
6 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
with a single connection and a short layover. Most animal fatalities occur on
the ground, when pets are left in their crates on the hot tarmac or in stifling
cargo holds. Direct flights eliminate layovers, and short layovers reduce the
time on the ground. Better yet: Choose a direct flight with an airline that has
special handling available for pets, keeping them off the tarmac until just
before flight time and transporting them to and from the plane in a
climate-controlled van.
Ask about your pet, persistently but politely.
Make your presence known! Confirm that your pet has been loaded and
has made any connection en route. It would not hurt to do what you can
to make your pet stand out as more than mere cargo. One person I know
puts a prominent sign on her retriever’s kennel when he flies. ”I am the
beloved pet of a 5-year-old boy,“ it says.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s generally safer
for your pet not to be tranquilized before flying.
The combination of high altitude and limited oxygen is a challenge your pet’s
body is better prepared to meet if he’s not sedated. Still, your pet may be an
exception. In the end, you and your veterinarian should decide on this issue.
The Air Transport Association, the trade group for the nation’s airlines,
offers information on its Air Travel for Your Dog or Cat Web page
(www.airlines.org). The ATA details the preparation of a pet for air travel,
how to set up the carrier and how to check on your pet en route.
Gina Spadafori and Marty Becker, DVM, are the authors of The Pet
Connection syndicated newspaper column, along with several
top-selling books on pets. For more information visit PetConnection.com.
Good Tips #2
During The Busy
Holiday Season
from JACKSONVILLE JETSETTER
Traveling
Easier
Holiday planning to make
the most of your journey –
safer and easier
With the approach of the busy holiday travel season,
the Jacksonville Aviation Authority has several
suggestions to make your travel experience at
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) safer, easier
and more enjoyable.
Arrive a little earlier than usual for your flight.
Increased travel means: longer lines everywhere including parking
facilities, ticket counters and security screening stations. Parking is on a first
come-first serve basis. Due to the increase in vehicle traffic, your preferred
parking option may not be available since the Economy Lots fill up first and
fast. For the Christmas Holiday, the Special Events Lot (formerly Economy Lot
3) will operate as a prepay lot when Economy Lots 1 and 2 close. The Special
Events Lot, when opened, will operate on an as-needed, first come-first serve
basis, and may close without notice. The flat $25.00 fee is payable
with cash or credit card upon entry. Free shuttle service is available during
the time the lot is open.
Think 3–1–1 with carry-on luggage
3 ounce bottles or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag
per passenger placed in screening bin. If in doubt, put your liquids in
checked luggage.
Do not over pack bags.
If screeners have to open them, closing overstuffed bags can be difficult and
could result in delays for checked baggage. Remember the 1+1 carry-on
baggage policy that limits airline passengers to one carry-on bag plus one
personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks or
briefcases. Additional items that cannot be placed into either the carry-on
bag or personal item must be checked at the ticket counter. Remove laptop
computers and video cameras from their cases prior to security screening.
Consider what you are wearing before leaving for the airport. Clothing with
metal, belts and some jewelry may require additional screening. Shoes will
have to be removed during the screening process. Check the contents of
your pockets and carry-on bags before arriving at the airport to ensure no
prohibited items were inadvertently packed. For a complete list of prohibited
items, check the TSA website at www.tsa.gov. Any gifts you pack should not
be wrapped as the security screeners may have to unwrap them to inspect
the contents.
In an effort to provide the highest level of customer service for those
picking up passengers, JAX offers a Courtesy Waiting Lot that is equipped
with flight information display monitors. The lot is free and is located
adjacent to the JAA administration building.
Travelers can also take advantage of the credit card “in-and-out” system
available in all the parking facilities. This system allows customers to
use a major credit card to access any of the airport’s parking lots instead
of pulling a parking ticket. Upon departing the parking lot, customers
swipe the same credit card at the exit gate, receive a receipt and are on
their way.
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 7
JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
8 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
Getting Around
JIA
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 9
The 411OnThe ODT
These are exciting times at the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) as the company
is rapidly changing to keep up with the demands within the Aviation industry.
The Organizational Development (OD) team is committed to the goals and objectives as
defined in the Strategic Agenda and to strategically strengthening JAA’s support in the
area of organizational effectiveness through continuous improvements. OD combines
best practices through benchmarking efforts, surveys and organizational effectiveness to
improve the overall success of JAA.
Make It A Day
In Clay
For visitors, Clay County is a true microcosm
of all that is uniquely Florida. Natural
wonders and activities on water abound,
as well as historic sightseeing, heritage
events year-round and many sports-related
entertainment venues. Spend a day in Clay…
shopping, entertainment and restaurants to
make your visit to the First Coast a
memorable one.
25th Annual
FALL FESTIVAL
October 20th and 21st, 2007
at Town Hall Park, 2042 Park Avenue
(Corner of Kingsley Ave. and Park Ave.)
Orange Park welcomes Fall at this annual festival.
Come watch local dancers, singers and enjoy the
music. Food, vendors, over 200 exhibits and arts
and crafts abound. All day for two days.
• Art and craft vendors
• Food vendors
• Free amusements
• Entertainment
(all day Sat. and from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sun.)
First Coast
WINTER LIGHTS
November, 2007 – New Years, 2008
at Reynolds Park Yacht Center
Enjoy a very special festival of lights that has
become a tradition in Clay County – kicking
off the holiday season that locals as well as
visitors can enjoy.
10 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
As part of the organizational effectiveness initiatives, the OD team works collaboratively
with departments throughout JAA to develop, evaluate and refine processes to ensure
maximum efficiencies. These initiatives are designed to ensure JAA achieves its mission
and to support the organizational efforts to sustain itself over the long-term.
JAA’s OD Department strives in getting measurable business results by coaching decision
makers, aligning strategies, changing behavior and leveraging resources to best meet the
customers’ needs. To help us meet those goals, the OD Department is launching a new
Customer Experience Survey. If you travel through the JIA airport, we encourage you to
share your experience as your opinion and feedback is vital to our mission in becoming
“The Best Airport System in the World.” Please visit www.jaa.aero and click on the
We’re Listening link to participate in the survey.
Thanks for helping JAA to be the best! - Cindi Stone
THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
The JAA Customer Service Department recognizes its external and internal
customers who are our tenants, passengers, service providers, the community, as
well as JAA employees. It is important that they know we value them and recognize
their impact on the future success of the Aviation industry in the community.
The Customer Service Department receives and handles requests for information,
directions, concerns, and compliments/complaints/suggestions from users of the
Jacksonville’s four (4) airports (Jacksonville International, Craig, Herlong, and Cecil
Airports) throughout the day. Customer Service also handles calls from customers
having problems with the kary karts stationed in the baggage claim, parking garages
or concourses. To help service our customers, comment boxes with comment cards
are placed in strategic areas of JIA for access to passengers, guest, and visitors of
the airport. The card is available for customers to express their compliments,
suggestions or complaints of their experience at JIA.
It is important to JAA that all airport employees (to include tenants, airlines, and etc.)
are in one accord in handling our customers of the JIA and to ensure they have a
pleasant experience while traveling through the airport. The Customer Service
Department ensures the JAA departments, as well as the tenants, are kept up-todate on observations, problems, suggestions and concerns of what may arise from
the customer’s experience.
THE VOLUNTEER AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Jacksonville Airport Authority (JAA) Volunteer Ambassador Program at the
Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) plays an integral part in fulfilling the mission
of the JAA to become “The Best Airport System in the World.” The Ambassadors
provide valuable customer service to the airport passengers and tenants.
The purpose of the program is for the Ambassadors to be the meeters and greeters
of JIA and to assist passengers in locating arrival and departure gates, telephones,
baggage claim area and ticketing areas. The Ambassadors provide these services
in a friendly, timely and courteous manner. They also assist the JAA in overseeing
problem areas that may not be identified right away because they are constantly
visible while serving at JIA. They can see problem areas that need attention, such as
the Flight Information Display System, signage, passengers needing wheelchair
assistance, potentially hazardous situations, etc.
Most of the Ambassadors are volunteers who give back to the community and
contribute to the overall improvement of JIA. We find that our volunteers enjoy the
airport atmosphere with learning and helping to make a difference in assisting people.
Ambassadors have volunteered over 28,700 hours to date since the beginning of
the Ambassador Program in 1998.
If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Ambassador, please contact Yvonne Pooler at 904.741.2006 in the Customer Service Department.
A Hot, Caribbean Treat
For A Cool Fall Day
Jamaican Grilled
Chicken Recipe
Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS:
Jerk marinade (your favorite) 3 cups
Garlic, chopped 3 TBSP
Thyme, fresh chopped 1 TBSP
Allspice, ground 1 tsp
Water, 1 cup
Scallions, sliced 1/8" 4 TBSP
Chicken Wings whole, thawed 5 pounds
Jerk seasoning, dry as needed
MARINATING PROCEDURE
Add the jerk marinade, garlic, thyme, allspice, water,
and scallions in a large bowl and mix well using a
whip to evenly combine the ingredients. Add the
chicken wings to the marinade, cover with plastic
wrap and place in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf.
Tips:
Make sure the chicken wings are fully thawed.
This helps the chicken to fully absorb the marinade.
Marinate the chicken wings for 18 to 24 hours
before cooking. The longer the marinating time,
the more flavorful the wings will become.
COOKING PROCEDURE
After marinating is complete, remove the wings
from the marinade and place in a clean bowl. Lightly
season the wings with the dry jerk seasoning and lay
on a sheet pan with the wing tips face down. Bake
the wings at 350ºF for 20 – 25 minutes or until fully
cooked. Remove from the oven and place in the
refrigerator to chill to 40ºF.
Tips:
Make sure the wings are drained well after being
removed from the marinade or the seasoning will not
fully adhere to the wings. The wings are cooked with
the wing tips face down, to allow more even cooking
and removal of excess fat from the chicken skin.
Pre-cooking the wings this prevents flare-ups on
the grill during the final grilling procedure.
GRILLING PROCEDURE
Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Place
the chilled wings on the grill and grill for 2 - 3 minutes
on each side. The skin of the wings should develop a
crisp texture and a mahogany-like color. Make sure
the wings are fully heated to 165ºF.
Tips:
Wings can also be placed on the grill directly from
the oven to express the cooking process. Allspice or
pimento leaves can be placed on the grill during the
grilling process to give the wings a light smoked flavor.
Serve hot with your favorite beverage. Enjoy!
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 11
Craig Is Going The
Distance
The Airport’s Safety Initiative for
A 2000-ft. Runway Extension
On August 9, 2007, the board of directors
of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA)
sent a letter to neighbors and city leaders
stating that in an effort to increase the safety
of operations at Craig Airport, the JAA would
begin taking the necessary steps to extend
the main runway at that airport from 4,000 ft.
to 6,000 ft. The first task was to amend the
City of Jacksonville’s Comprehensive Plan to
allow the extension to take place.
If the comprehensive plan amendment is approved by City Council, the
approximately four-year process to build the extension would begin.
The JAA has been attempting to improve safety at Craig Airport with a
longer runway for more than a decade. While a longer runway at Craig
Airport remains a primary recommended safety component of the FAA
mandated master plan for Craig Airport, a city of Jacksonville resolution
prohibiting the extension has stymied efforts.
So, why is the JAA once again pursuing the extension in light of the
current opposition?
Concern: The longer runway will increase capacity.
Response: No it will not. Lengthening the runway does not impact the
number of aircraft that can land or take off on the runway. If, for example,
a maximum of 20 aircraft could land/take off on the current 4,000-foot
runway in an hour, the maximum number of aircraft able to land/take off
on a 6,000-foot runway in an hour remains the same. Capacity would increase if an additional runway was added, just like capacity on the
roadways is increased when additional lanes are added.
Concern: The extended runway will allow bigger, commercial aircraft
to land at Craig Airport.
Response: No it will not. The current weight limit for aircraft using
Craig Airport is 60,000 lbs. That weight limit will not change with the
extension. In addition, the FAA strictly regulates commercial service
airports, like JAX. Craig does not and will not meet the FAA criteria to
become a commercial airport.
Concern: The noise level will increase as a result of the extended
runway at Craig Airport.
Response: No it will not. Today’s aircraft are 50% quieter than aircraft
built 10 years ago. This trend is expected to continue. Longer runways
allow aircraft to gain altitude more quickly during take-off, reducing noise
over affected neighborhoods. Upon landing, aircraft using longer runways
don’t have to descend as quickly over affected neighborhoods, thus
reducing noise.
The answer was and continues to be safety. Consider this:
Concern: The City Council assured those living near Craig that the
Longer runways are safer runways. Increasing the length of the primary
runway at Craig Airport will increase safety. For example, the Air Safety
Foundation routinely recommends that pilots add 50% to their take-off
or landing distances for safety. This is impossible for many of the
aircraft that use Craig Airport right now.
A majority of general aviation accidents take place during take-off or
landing, and are a direct result of pilot error and overshooting the runway.
With a shorter runway, there is little margin for error. This is a particular
concern for less experienced pilots or during adverse weather conditions.
Craig Airport is the busiest airport in Jacksonville with over 163,000
operations (take-offs or landings) reported in 2006. That number will
continue to increase, even without an extension, so increasing safety
becomes even more urgent.
Here are the JAA’s responses to some of the most common concerns
raised by those who oppose the runway extension:
12 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
main runway at Craig Airport would never be extended.
Response: Assuming those assurances were based on concerns
addressed above, the reasons for making those statements no longer exist.
Additionally, the aviation industry is not the same as it was even seven
years ago. The number of general aviation aircraft is increasing. Very light
jets, which are fast, quiet and seat up to six passengers, will begin using
Craig Airport within a year. Jacksonville is growing and must have an
airport system that safely meets the aviation needs and supports the
growth of the community.
Given these facts, the JAA would be irresponsible if it gave up in its efforts
to make the entire airport system as safe as possible. The JAA must pursue
every avenue, at every opportunity to ensure that those who use, or live
around, Jacksonville’s four-airport system have the safest facilities possible.
Salt Grill at
The Ritz-Carlton
Reviews
AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA
Will Leave You
Thirsting
ForMore
by STACEY HASKELL
My sister and I took the short drive to Amelia
Island from Jacksonville one Saturday night to
dine at Salt, a new contemporary restaurant
in the Ritz-Carlton. It used to be The Grill,
formerly requiring stuffed shirts and jackets.
Now it’s a AAA Five Diamond restaurant
where jackets are “preferred.”
According to Thomas
Tolxdorf, Executive
Chef for the
resort, “Salt”
has multiple meanings. It refers to the
restaurant’s barrier island location between
the Atlantic Ocean and the intracoastal
salt marshes as well as to a particular
culinary sensibility. “Salt is the
fundamental seasoning. It changes
everything it touches, enhancing flavor
and enlivening the sense of taste,”
Tolxdorf said. “Today’s guests are more
interested in food and wine than ever
before, so we want dining at Salt to work
the same way seasoning does, to reveal new
things about everyday substances.”
wine choices for each course. Salt features an expansive wine list with over
500 choices. Be prepared to stay around three hours for the Adventure,
but it’s well worth the experience.
Our attention never left the table from the first to the sixth course.
The presentation was amazing and we dined with no less than four
different servers, so the service was nothing short of excellent. The white
bean soup with Spanish sausage and seared blue fin tuna with
fennel and pine nuts was the start of a refined adventure.
Kobe beef lasagna with baby brussel sprouts and seared
scallops were perfect selections by the chef for our
meat and seafood courses.
“When you
walk in, the first
thing you notice is
that there isn’t a bad
seat in the house.
Every table has
beautiful ocean
views.”
When you walk in the first thing you notice is that
there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Every table has
beautiful ocean views. If you want to enjoy the view, be sure
and get there before dark because once the sun goes down you can’t
really see outside. But then again, once you get served your first course,
your eye travels back to the table where the scenery becomes much
more interesting.
We relinquished ourselves to the chocolate pate
with fresh cherry compote and cherry sorbet (and
that was just the pre-dessert). The final dessert
was the perfect ending to our culinary quest –
two soufflés, one pina colada with coconut rum
anglaise and a chocolate truffle soufflé with
chocolate sorbet anglaise. By the way,
it was personally delivered by the pastry chef.
Salt is just a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville
International Airport. If you’re flying into a private
airport, the closest one is Craig Field (CRG).
The preferred way to get to Salt is by rental car or
Carey Limousine. To reach Carey locally, call (904) 221-4566
or (888) 454-6646. It’s also about 30 minutes from
Craig as well and the drive meanders along the beach, through
salt marshes and by way of a state park. Salt is open Tuesday
through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Salt Lounge stays open
until 11:00 p.m. during the week and until midnight on Friday and
Saturday. There’s also a brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
We put complete trust in the Chef’s Adventure Menu and enjoyed six
courses of eclectic cuisine. My sister chose it without the wine. I chose to
take advantage of their sommelier and partake in the adventure with his
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 13
An Exciting
Fall SeasonAwaits
ORANGE PARK’S THRASHER-HORNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS OFFERS
AN EXCITING LINE-UP OF PERFORMANCES FOR ALL AGES AND TASTES
THROUGH 2007
OCTOBER
THE PIANO MEN: A Musical Journey through the ’70s
Featuring the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John STARRING JIM WITTER
Saturday, October 13 • 7:30 p.m., MAINSTAGE
Year-by-year, hit-by-hit, Dove Award nominee and recording artist Jim Witter and his band lead an expertly crafted tour of an entire decade that
begins with ”Your Song” and winds us along on a musical time machine, saluting two of the century’s most popular contemporary songwriters.
Utilizing rear-screen projection and images, Witter returns audiences to the headlines, people, events and television shows that shaped a decade.
Along the way, the sounds of “My Life,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Rocket Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” and many more classic hits create an
evening that's just too much fun to let end.
The 2007-08
Thrasher-Horne
Center for the Arts
season opens on
a high musical
note with
The Piano Men–
a musical
celebration of
the 1970s set
entirely to the
songs of
Billy Joel and
Elton John.
14 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
OCTOBER
MISHA DACIC Classical Pianist
Sunday, Oct. 21 • 3:00 p.m., STUDIO THEATER
Classical pianist Misha Dacic is a rising star, wowing audiences with his American debut
at the 2003 Discovery Series of the Sixth Miami International Piano Festival.
Born in 1978 into a musical family in the former Yugoslavia, Mr. Dacic first came to the
public attention at age 11 when he performed a Haydn Piano Concerto with a local orchestra.
Shortly afterwards, he entered the class of Kemal Gekic at the University of Novi Sad in
Belgrade, where he received his early training. In 1998, he was accepted at the invitation of
Lazar Berman into the prestigious school for pianists in Imola, Italy and continued his studies
with Berman through 2003.
Mr. Dacic is a recipient of support from Patrons of Exceptional Artists and enjoys a special
scholarship at the University of Miami, where he pursues advanced piano studies.
NOVEMBER
Katie Couric’s THE BRAND NEW KID
School Time Performance: KENNEDY CENTER IMAGINATION ON TOUR
Wednesday, November 28 • 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., MAINSTAGE
The Kennedy Center Imagination on Tour returns to the THCA with its world-premiere musical adapted from Katie Couric’s
popular children’s book, “The Brand New Kid.”
New teachers…new books…new faces! It’s the very first day of second grade, and Lazlo S. Gasky is the new kid in school. He’s your typical
7-year-old boy, but because he doesn’t look or speak quite like the others, the teasing and taunting begin.
When Ellie McSnelly realizes how tough Lazlo has it, she risks being ridiculed herself to spend an afternoon with him. After playing soccer,
eating strudel, and making new friends, the two teach their classmates a valuable lesson – one that’s not in their school books – about the
need to give others a chance.
With book and lyrics by Melanie Marnich, this uplifting new musical proves that being yourself is the best way to be.
DECEMBER
PETER PAN The High-Flying Musical!
Friday, December 7 • 7:30 p.m., MAINSTAGE
Based on J. M. Barrie’s beloved novel, “Peter Pan: The High-Flying Musical” is a classic tale of youth, joy and freedom, all captured in this lavish
new production of the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical.
Don’t miss a beat of this fun-filled musical adventure, complete with the lovable lost boys, high-stepping pirates, the delightfully dangerous Captain Hook and the perennial charm of the boy who won’t grow up – Peter Pan!
Featuring the musical numbers “I’ve Got to Crow,” “Neverland,” “I’m Flying” and “Captain Hook’s Waltz,” “Peter Pan: The High-Flying Musical” is
a magical journey you and your family will never forget.
Perfect holiday entertainment! So bring the entire family, and fly with Peter to the “second star to the right” as you enjoy the zany antics and the
wistful wonderment of Neverland.
For Tickets and information: Box Office: (904) 276-6750 www.thcenter.org
PETER PAN
The High-Flying Musical!
Katie Couric’s
THE BRAND NEW KID
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 15
Lt. Col. Hiram Mann with students from
Jacksonville’s Terry Parker High School,
in front of the legendary P-51 Mustang,
“Sizzlin’ Liz.”
Three Living Legends Visit Craig
Three of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen visited Craig Airport on Thursday, September 13, to talk
to teachers and students about their experiences as members of the famous WWII 99th Pursuit
Squadron. The event was sponsored by the Teaching American History Grant. This grant is given
to Duval County Public Schools to allow teachers to learn how to present American history in a
more exciting and engaging manner. The Airmen gave a living history lesson as they recounted
the challenges and successes of their careers in the first all-black combat squadron formed in 1941.
L-R: William Surcey, John Gay, Lt. Col. Hiram Mann
While the grant is specifically for the enrichment of teachers, about 200 high school students from
JROTC programs learned much from the honored veterans. Participating high schools included
Raines, Ribault, Terry Parker, Lee and Ed White High Schools.
Singing
ToFill The Season
The holidays are fast approaching and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority is
looking forward to hosting community, church and school choral groups at
the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) as part of our Annual Holiday
Choral Program. This program is a tradition at JAX and a favorite of the
passengers traveling through our airport during the busy holiday season.
Every year we look forward to another opportunity to showcase the musical
talents of students on the First Coast!
The dates for the 2007 Holiday Choral Program are
December 3-7 and 10-14, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
16 I Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007
JACKSONVILLE AVIATION AUTHORITY
Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise/
Small Business
Enterprise Programs
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) is a strong
supporter of programs that support the inclusion of Small
and Disadvantaged Businesses in the JAA procurement
process. The JAA has established two distinct but separate
programs in support of this mission – The Disadvantaged
Business Enterprises (DBE) Program and the JAA Local
Small Business Enterprises (SBE) Program.
To find out more about eligibility criteria and
certification, go to www.jaa.aero/about/dbe.asp
or you can request an application by contacting
the DBE department at (904) 741-2043.
Jacksonville Jetsetter Fall 2007 I 17