SRQ named best resort airport by USA Today

Before he officially retired as Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport president and CEO on Oct. 17, Rick Piccolo received one more feather to place in his amply adorned hat as SRQ was been named the “Best Resort Airport 2025” by editors and readers of USA Today.

On Oct. 15, the publication released the list of its Top 10 airports with SRQ outranking the likes of those in Palm Springs, California; Bozeman, Montana; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and more. 

Photo by Andrew Warfield

About SRQ, USA Today wrote, “Central Florida's West Coast has a much-loved region on the waters of the Gulf, where top-notch resorts await travelers. That's why the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is such a popular choice for those flying to this high-end destination, a manageable small airport with only 18 gates. With restaurants, bars, markets, and gift shops adding choices to while away the time before a flight and nine car rental companies on hand for arrival transportation needs, SRQ has everything travelers need for an easy transition from work to play mode.”

The remaining ranked airports are:

• No. 2: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
• No. 3: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Traverse City, Michigan.
• No. 4: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Panama City, Florida.
• No. 5: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), Monterey, California.
• No. 6: Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV), South Burlington, Vermont.
• No. 7: Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
• No. 8: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Palm Springs, California.
• No. 9: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), Redmond, Oregon.
• No. 10: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Belgrade, Montana,

"We are extremely pleased with this selection voted on nationwide by users of our airport," Piccolo told the Observer. "It not only reflects well on the airport but the desirability of our community as well."

Piccolo will be succeed by Paul Hoback, formerly of Pittsburgh International Airport, on Monday, Oct. 20.