Airport Expansion Should Lift More Than Just Planes

By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal

Brooksville, Fla — Brooksville’s leaders are moving forward with ambitious improvements to the Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport — a project that could reshape the economic future of Hernando County. With new infrastructure, updated hangars, and expanded space for technology-based industries, the airport stands to become more than a transport hub; it can be a springboard for a modern, inclusive local economy.

For decades, Hernando County has relied on service-sector jobs and low-wage work, even as nearby regions embraced innovation and green technology. By reinvesting in the airport and its surrounding industrial park, local officials are signaling a shift toward industries that bring skilled jobs and sustainable growth. The challenge will be ensuring that those opportunities reach all corners of the community — not just developers and private contractors.

Transportation infrastructure is often the foundation of economic mobility. Improvements to the Brooksville airport could attract renewable-energy companies, small manufacturers, and aviation technology firms that are looking for affordable locations near the Tampa Bay metro. This kind of smart regional investment could help Hernando County reduce its dependence on long commutes and create good-paying jobs closer to home.

But progress should not come at the cost of transparency or environmental responsibility. Residents have long pushed for projects that prioritize community well-being, protect local wetlands, and avoid displacing affordable housing. As construction begins, county leaders must engage the public openly, ensure fair labor standards, and invest a share of new revenues into education, public transit, and climate resilience.

Brooksville has a chance to grow thoughtfully — to build an economy that takes flight without leaving anyone on the ground.