City staff requested approval of a $277,523.60 purchase order for two modular structures to expand airline lease space at the Lakeland airport in support of Avelo Airlines operations.

Staff said the structures — two modular buildings totaling about 2,160 square feet — will be purchased through the OMNIA Partners cooperative contract from Williams Scotsman; the purchase order covers manufacturing, delivery, setup, anchoring, ramps, steps, awnings and building plans. Funding will come from the Florida revenue note fund the commission approved in the prior year.

City staff and airport directors described the modules as temporary assets expected to serve approximately five years while the city advances terminal expansion planning, environmental review and design. Staff said leasing proved significantly more expensive than purchase and that the city intends to sell the modular units when they are no longer needed.

Commissioners asked about expected lifespan and analog examples; airport staff compared the units to temporary classroom modules used by nearby school districts and noted similar installations at other regional airports. No opposition was recorded in the transcript excerpt; staff indicated the units will also expand hold-room capacity and provide individualized exits and ramping for passengers.