FORT MYERS, Fla. — A new audit of Southwest Florida International Airport is raising questions about airport operations, but county leaders are divided over the findings.
The audit, issued by the Lee County Clerk and Comptroller, Kevin Karnes, reviewed airport operations between October 2023 and October 2024 and found that auditors were not provided certain documents tied to safety procedures and federal regulations.
Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka is pushing back, saying the audit has caused confusion and that there are no public safety issues at the airport.
“There are no public safety concerns at our airport,” Mulicka told WINK News. “I really think, honestly, he should apologize and mostly to the public for creating what could be possibly a public safety concern that was misguided.”
Karnes claims neither he nor the report ever claimed the airport is unsafe. Instead, Karnes said auditors could not issue an opinion on compliance because they were unable to review certain records.
“Neither the audit nor myself have said that there is a specific safety concern with the airport,” Karnes said. “What we have said is that without the documentation, we cannot issue an opinion on whether they are in compliance with FAA regulations…For the first time in 20 years we were not given all the documents that we asked for from the Port Authority.”
Mulicka said the records do exist, but some are maintained by outside contractors and were not requested through the proper channels.
“Those records exist. He just asked the wrong person the wrong question,” Mulicka said. “All of those records for the construction projects are readily accessible through public records, standard process through Manhattan or through Suffolk as part of their contractual responsibilities.”
The audit also pointed to delays in completing a contractor safety plan for the airport’s terminal expansion project, as well as gaps in tracking safety-related work orders.
Mulicka denied those claims and added that the terminal expansion was not intended to be part of the audit.
“The subject of this audit is airside. That’s supposed to be the subject. Airside operations at an airport…means where airplanes travel. Nothing about terminal expansion of phase one. That’s an interior remodel,” Mulicka said. “If you want to do a phase one audit. Go ahead. I’m pro audit. I’m pro transparency. I want you to have access to all the information that you wish.”
Karnes said federal regulations require those records to be reviewed when construction affects airport operations. “According to the federal regulations, when they are doing construction at the airport, it connects to that division of the airport.”
Mulicka pointed to a letter from the Federal Aviation Administration sent in May that praised the airport’s day-to-day operations.
“We commend you for the procedures that you are using in the day-to-day operation of the
airport. The appearance of the airport indicates that they are effective.” the FAA letter states.
WINK News will continue following this audit and will update you as more information becomes available.