The Florida Airports Council (FAC) presented Fredrick J. Piccolo, A.A.E., President, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, the 2024 Aviation Leadership Award.  This award is presented to an airport professional who has demonstrated outstanding service and contributions to the Florida airport community. Recognizing his achievements, the award emphasizes Mr. Piccolo’s assistance over the last two years with FAC leadership and State Affairs personnel on numerous legislative issues. Mr. Piccolo’s long tenure as CEO and his deep political relationships allowed him to work with FAC to advance legislation that supports Florida airports.  In addition, Mr. Piccolo worked with the FAC Executive Board and all Florida airport’s CEOs to establish new leadership within the organization. Fredrick J. Piccolo has over 53 years of experience in the aviation industry beginning in 1970 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Upon moving to Florida, he worked at Tampa International Airport, followed by his tenure as Assistant Airport Director at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Mr. Piccolo has served as President, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport since 1995.  He has overseen a myriad of challenges in his 29-year tenure while still managing to lead the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to become the fastest growing airport in the U.S. amongst the largest 100 airports when comparing 2023 vs. 2018.