Pie Airport: Florida's Aviation Hub And Its Location

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, United States, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, Florida. The airport is situated 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown St. Petersburg, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa. The airport has two intersecting runways – RWY 4/22 and RWY 18/36 – and handles a mix of civil and military aviation, flight training operations, air carriers, and a law-enforcement aviation unit.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport's address

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, also known as PIE, is located in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The airport is situated on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, and 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater. The full address of the airport is:

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, 14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater, Florida, FL 33762, United States.

The airport is easily accessible, located 4 miles north of St. Petersburg on State Route 686 (Roosevelt Blvd.). It is also just 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa, making it a convenient option for travellers in the Tampa Bay Area.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the early days of commercial air transportation. The airport is recognised as a significant hub, serving both public and military aviation needs. It is also home to the busiest Coast Guard Air Station in the world, further emphasising its importance in the region.

The airport's history

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, United States, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is located on State Route 686 (Roosevelt Blvd.), 4 miles north of St. Petersburg, 7 miles southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles southwest of Tampa.

The airport was constructed in March 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, as a military flight-training base known as Pinellas Army Airfield. It was a base for the 304th Fighter Squadron, a combat training unit of the 337th Fighter Group (Third Army Air Force), which flew P-40 Warhawks and, later, P-51 Mustangs. The airfield was also used to launch antisubmarine patrols against German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico during World War II.

After World War II, the U.S. government returned the property to Pinellas County, and it became a civil airport, originally called Pinellas International Airport and given the IATA designation PIE. The airport's original terminal building was dedicated in 1957, and in 1958, the name was changed to St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport to increase its appeal as a tourism destination. The airport has since been rebranded and shortened to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, with a new logo adopted in 2013.

The airport has a long history of commercial air transportation. In 1914, just over a decade after the Wright brothers' first flight, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line sold the first tickets for airline travel to fare-paying passengers. The inaugural flight took place from a location near the downtown St. Petersburg Pier, with Mayor Abram C. Pheil and Mae Peabody as the first passengers. A replica of the Benoist XIV amphibious aircraft used for this flight is displayed in the airport terminal's baggage claim area, commemorating the airport's role in the history of commercial aviation.

In the 1950s and 1960s, several major U.S. airlines served the airport, including Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, National Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. During this period, the airport's runway was extended to accommodate jet aircraft, with Northwest Airlines operating the first scheduled jets in late 1961. However, with the advent of larger jets, airline service for the Tampa Bay area was consolidated at Tampa International Airport (TPA) in the early 1960s. Eastern Air Lines was the last scheduled airline at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport during this period, ending flights in 1964.

Scheduled air service returned to the airport in 1972 with Air Florida, and since then, various airlines have operated jet services to and from the airport, including Northeastern International Airways, People Express, Atlantic Gulf Airlines, American Trans Air (ATA), Air South, Reno Air, and Allegiant Air, among others. In 2009, the airport underwent a $22 million renovation, which included larger gates, new plumbing, and the construction of passenger jet bridges.

Today, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport continues to serve the Tampa Bay Area, offering flights to various destinations across the United States. The airport covers 1,900 acres and features two asphalt runways, with a 24-hour airport rescue and firefighting department, along with various other operational and administrative personnel.

The airport's location relative to St. Petersburg

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE) is located in Pinellas County, Florida, approximately 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown St. Petersburg. The airport is situated on State Route 686 (Roosevelt Blvd.) and can be accessed via the Gateway Expressway Toll Road. Its address is 14700 Terminal Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33762.

The airport is conveniently located for residents of St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. It is just a short drive from the city, and there are several transportation options available to get to and from the airport. The Florida Department of Transportation's 511 Traveler Information System provides real-time traffic updates and can be a useful resource for travellers heading to or from the airport.

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is also known for being the "birthplace of commercial air transportation." In 1914, just over a decade after the Wright brothers' historic flight at Kitty Hawk, the first tickets for airline travel were sold by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line to fare-paying passengers. A replica of the Benoist amphibious aircraft used in this inaugural flight is displayed in the airport's baggage claim area.

In addition to its historical significance, the airport is home to the Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, the largest and busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in the country. The airport also accommodates the U.S. Army Reserve's Army Aviation Support Facility, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Aviation Administration's control tower, among other important federal government services.

Overall, St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport's location relative to St. Petersburg makes it a convenient and accessible option for travellers in the area. Its proximity to the city and its historical significance in aviation make it an important transportation hub for the region.

The airport's location relative to Clearwater

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE) is located in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is situated on the northeast municipal boundary of Pinellas Park, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater and 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown St. Petersburg. The airport is set on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, 6 miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, which is known as the birthplace of commercial air transportation.

Clearwater, a charming city in Florida's Tampa Bay area, is easily accessible from the airport. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and array of attractions, Clearwater is a popular destination for travellers. The city boasts a vibrant beachfront lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, offering a lively atmosphere for visitors.

The airport is conveniently located for those travelling to or from Clearwater, providing easy access to the city and its surroundings. Clearwater is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience for sunbathers and swimmers alike. In addition to its natural attractions, Clearwater also features a diverse range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

For those travelling by car, the airport is located on State Route 686 (Roosevelt Blvd.), providing a direct route to and from Clearwater. The Gateway Expressway Toll Road is also accessible for those travelling to or from the airport, offering an alternative route. The Florida Department of Transportation's 511 Traveller Information System provides real-time traffic updates, helping travellers navigate any roadwork or closures and plan their journey accordingly.

The airport's location relative to Tampa

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE) is located 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa. The airport is situated on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, which is known as the birthplace of commercial air transportation. The address of the airport is 14700 Terminal Blvd, Clearwater, Florida, United States.

The airport is conveniently accessible from Tampa via various transportation options, including driving, public transportation, or ride-sharing services. The drive from Tampa to the airport typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within Tampa.

State Route 686 (Roosevelt Blvd.) is a major roadway that connects the airport to the surrounding areas, including Tampa. The Gateway Expressway Toll Road is another important route that provides access to the airport and can facilitate a faster journey, especially during peak travel times.

In terms of public transportation, the airport is served by buses and shuttles that connect it to nearby cities, including Tampa. The Florida Department of Transportation's 511 Traveler Information System is a valuable resource for travellers, providing real-time traffic updates and information on public transit. This system covers all major roadways and interstates in Florida, including those connecting Tampa to the airport.

Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are popular options for travelling between Tampa and the airport. These services offer a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis, providing travellers with flexible transportation options.

Frequently asked questions