A-1
Express Airport Parking has been proud to serve the Tampa Bay community for
nearly 20 years, but today, we turn to you, our customers, to ask for your
support.
Last
month, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) proposed a new airport
tax of 8.5% to all off-site airport parking companies. If imposed, this tax
will present a nearly $300,000 burden to
just three local parking businesses, which we feel is unfair. We currently
operate a full service business at a very competitive rate, and if this new tax
is put into place, we will have no choice other than to reduce services or increase
our fees, neither of which we want to do.
Many
of our customers appreciate the added convenience that A-1 Express offers, assisting
with their luggage from the time they arrive at our facility until they return
from their travels to retrieve their vehicle. We are known for our outstanding
service, and providing less is not an option for us.
The
Aviation Authority Board will discuss implementation of this new tax at their
board meeting at 9:00 am on Thursday,
November 7. The boardroom is located on the third floor, next to the Blue
Earhart Elevators, of the Tampa International Airport Main Terminal. The
general public is invited to attend.
We
are not against paying our fair share for maintenance and upkeep of airport
facilities, but we do feel that 8.5% is extreme. If you agree and would like to
support our effort to keep this tax from being imposed, the following board members to ask them to reconsider this
tax.
Mr. Robert I. Watkins, Chairman
Robert Watkins & Company
610 S. Boulevard, Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-254-3369; F: 813-253-3280
E-mail: rwatkins@robertwatkins.com
Mayor Bob Buckhorn , Treasurer
306 E. Jackson St.
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813/274-8251; F: 813/274-7050
Assistant: Conchita Hilton
E-mail: conchita.tilton@tampagov.net
Victor D. Crist , County Commissioner
Assistant Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
601 E. Kennedy, Tampa, FL 33601
or P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813/272-5452; F: 813/272-7047
Assistant: Eric Johnson
E-Mail: johnsonek@hillsboroughcounty.org
Joseph Lopano, Chief Executive Officer
P.O. Box 22287
Tampa, FL 33622-2287
Phone: 813/870-8701; F: 813/875-6670
Assistant: Kim Humphrey
E-Mail: khumphrey@tampaairport.com
Martin L Garcia, Board Member
Pinehill Capital Partners, Inc.
1700 S. MacDill Avenue, Suite 240
Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: 813-253-3999
E-mail: mgarcia@pinehill.com
Gary Harrod, Board Member
Harrod Properties Inc
5550 West Executive Dr
Suite 550
Tampa, Fl 33609
813-229-1500
The
growth that A-1 Express has experienced over the years is the direct result of
continued patronage of customers like you, who support and appreciate our business
and commitment to providing you with outstanding service. We value your trust,
and we will do our best to continue to be your preferred airport parking
facility for years to come.
For
more information regarding this issue, download the fact sheet here.
