I am proud to be endorsed by a majority of the Airport Authority Board Members. They recognize strong leadership when they see it.

St. Augustine Airport stands as one of the largest business assets in St. Johns County. Recently, a hangar expansion project was completed, generating over 250 jobs from a $2.1 million investment. With the current mix of private, military, and commercial aviation, we have a significant opportunity to foster not only temporary jobs but also long-term economic growth. 

As part of the Airport Authority, I am committed to cultivating a pro-business environment that attracts investment. Given that only an estimated 18-22% of property tax revenue comes from commercial and industrial properties, the county's tax base is vulnerable due to its residential dominance. This is where the St. Augustine Airport can make a substantial impact: through composite manufacturing, groundbreaking Advanced Air Mobility aircraft, and increased usage. 

With an 8,000-foot runway, St. Augustine is well-equipped to accommodate large aircraft, creating ample opportunities for the expansion of maintenance centers, cargo, and defense and avionics companies, such as our existing partner Northrop Grumman. 

Just miles away, St. Augustine High School features an Aviation & Aerospace Academy along with a dual enrollment program by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As an alumnus of these programs and a board member of the St. Johns County School District's Academy of Aviation & Aerospace Advisory Board, I recognize the importance of educational partnerships. These students represent ideal candidates for the incoming job growth. Aviation-related jobs are robust and secure, requiring skilled employees who are not easily outsourced.

The St. Johns County Airport Authority has the power to increase your tax millage rate. I proudly stand by the current board and applaud their successful efforts to maintain a 0 millage rate, which protects the affordability of homes. 

Instead of raising taxes on St. Johns County residents who are already facing rising costs, I will collaborate with the board to secure business investment along with state and federal grants. 

To achieve these grants, it’s essential to have a representative on the board who has built strong relationships with both elected officials and transportation leaders. In my experience leading political organizations and a non-profit (See "About"), I have developed a strong rapport with our advocates at the county, state, and national levels. 

I not only possess the aviation background to understand the needs of our airport, but I also have the political connections to fix it. I will leverage the expanding Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector to boost investment. 

St. Augustine Airport should be able to thrive without increasing your property tax.

Protecting and growing aviation is more than a campaign promise, but a personal commitment as someone who comes from a General Aviation background. Griswold’s political advocacy and community service have allowed him to create strong relationships with our representatives and partners. They will come into play to bring home state and federal grants, which will improve the critical infrastructure for everyone; the General Aviation community, businesses, and our air traffic controllers. Griswold’s involvement at St. Augustine Airport has allowed him to see what needs improvement, whether it be pavement, hangers, or navigational tools.

Griswold will be an advocate for all entities at the airport, from the leaser of a T hanger to our county’s largest private employer, Northrop Grumman. He understands that in order for all parties to be satisfied, they must all have a seat at the table.

General Aviation is disproportionately impacted by the deteriorating infrastructure. For example, the airport’s self-service fuel tanks rusted out, forcing our pilots to spend excess on gas from our fixed base operator, who then had a monopoly on fuel sales. This meant more out of pilots’ pockets and less into the Airport Authority’s revenue.

Griswold wants to bring limited charter flights and allow county residents to fly out of their closest airport, as he understands that an empty terminal only costs the airport money. To ensure it is a successful venture, he is focused on meeting with airport users and residents to prevent disenfranchisement. 

St. Augustine Airport’s 8,000-foot runway allows it to accept large corporate aircraft that many other local airports cannot, further separating it from the competition. We have a premier location, right next to US-1 and I-95, along with our on-site seaport. The potential is there but is not adequately being tapped into.

Additionally, he sees how there are major monopolies and missing supply for the demands of our community. Whether it be more mechanic repair options, another fixed base operator, or seaplane tours, Griswold has the aviation background to know where growth needs to take place.

His policy background and legislative education brought House Bill 1093 to his attention, a bill that was signed into law by Governor DeSantis. HB 1093 allows the Florida Department of Transportation to fund infrastructure required for eVTOL Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The FDOT and Governor Ron DeSantis have led the initiative to position Florida as a national leader in this emerging sector. Many of these aircraft are hybrid or electric and require modern infrastructure.

By incorporating this innovative technology in the Airport Authority's expansion conversations, we set ourselves up for significant business investment, alongside major state and federal grants. Managed properly, these funds can be utilized to enhance the airport's infrastructure and community value. 

Under Griswold’s plan, rather than driving to Orlando or Jacksonville for your flight, our community will soon have the option of charter flights and AAM.