A Florida airport is among the first to opt into the Transportation Security Administration's new public-private partnership program.
Tampa International Airport, along with two other airports, has opted
to join TSA Gold+, which the agency describes as "the future of aviation security."
As first reported by Gate Access, TSA shared an internal memo with employees on May 14 announcing the new program as an "innovative extension" of the Screening Partnership Program, according to USA TODAY. Charleston International Airport in South Carolina and Des Moines International Airport in Iowa are also among the first to join the program.
What is TSA Gold+?
According to the TSA Gold+ website, this program is "a new public-private partnership aimed at modernizing aviation security at select airports across the United States." The partnership is built on the already-existing Screening Partnership Program and will "enable cutting-edge aviation security solutions."
Airports can opt in to the program voluntarily to receive a tailored security screening service based on their needs and space, with support from TSA and private vendors. It also does not require any additional cost to the airport.
"As the next evolution of the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), TSA Gold+ is a transformative upgrade to offer airports the opportunity to 'opt in' to a public-private screening model tailored to their unique needs, ensuring continuity and operational stability even during federal government shutdowns," TSA told USA TODAY in a statement back in May.
When will Tampa International Airport officially join the TSA Gold+ program?
Tampa International Airport has not publicly said when the program will go into effect. However, a source told CNN that officials said the change is targeted for May 31, 2027.
What does this mean for TSA agents in Tampa?
As of July 23, a private security vendor has not been hired. According to Bay News 9 and CNN, the almost 800 TSA officers in Tampa will get the first right of refusal for jobswhen a private security vendor is selected.
However, the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 47,000 Transportation Security Officers at 400 airports across the country, is condemning the program as a threat to public safety. A press release says the privatization of airport security screening functions "ignores lessons learned from the Sept. 11 attacks and other airline tragedies."
“Make no mistake – this is a major departure and step backwards from the aviation screening security system that Congress created in the wake of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks in 2001 and the deadly bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988," AFGE National President Everett Kelley said. "Changes of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors without the input of Congress, the flying public, the local airport authorities and TSA employees themselves."
They also say the move will hinder job security for many workers.
How does TSA Gold+ impact travelers?
Currently, travelers will likely not experience any impacts from airports opting into Gold+, especially since security measures remain the same.
The agency claims this new program will speed up lines, upgrade equipment faster, and prevent shutdown delays, at no additional cost to travelers.
What Florida airports are already a part of TSA's SPP program?
Twenty U.S. airports already use privatized screening as part of TSA's existing Screening Partnership Program, including three in Florida:
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
- Punta Gorda Airport
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
See all 20 airports a part of TSA's Screening Partnership Program
- Atlantic City International Airport
- Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport
- Dawson Community Airport
- Great Falls International Airport
- Glacier Park International Airport
- Greater Rochester International Airport
- Havre City-County Airport
- Kansas City International Airport
- L. M. Clayton Airport
- Orlando Sanford International Airport
- Portsmouth International Airport
- Punta Gorda Airport
- Roswell International Air Center
- San Francisco International Airport
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
- Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport
- Tupelo Regional Airport
- Wokal Field/Glasgow International Airport
- Yellowstone Airport
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: No more TSA agents at this Florida airport? What to know about Gold+
