From Launchpads to Layovers: Transportation on the Space Coast
Florida Planning Conference September 18, 2025
Welcome
Laura Carter Assistant Executive Director Space Coast TPO
State of the Space Coast
• 72 Miles Long
• Indian River Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean, St. Johns River
• Quinti-modal
• Known for Aerospace and Tourism
Panelists
Cliff Graham Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Bill Crowe Canaveral Port Authority Brianna Soat Space Florida
Melbourne Orlando International Airport – Gateway to Florida’s
Space Coast
• MLB is a non-hub primary commercial service airport, hosting a unique mix of airlines, defense contractors, and general aviation.
• The airport contributes three billon annually to the local economy through airlines, flight schools, and aerospace partners.
• Its location on the Space Coast makes it a strategic gateway for both tourism and defense.
Cliff Graham, CM Director of Operations & Maintenance
Speaker:
CommercialAir Service
At MLB, we’re proud to serve leading carriers American, Delta, Allegiant, TUI, and Sun Country — providing strong regional and seasonal connectivity.
• In 2024, we handled over 700,000 passengers, reinforcing our position as a key gateway for domestic and international travelers.
• With about 160,000 aeronautical operations, the airport supports a dynamic mix of commercial flights, general aviation, and military training showcasing our versatile infrastructure and mission.
Director of Operations & Maintenance
Cliff Graham, CM
MLB’s Tenant Base
• Northrop Grumman and Embraer anchor MLB’s aerospace community, delivering cutting-edge defense systems and world-class executive jets.
• STSAviation and L3Harris enhance the airport’s capabilities with advanced maintenance, modification, and technology solutions supporting both commercial and defense aviation.
• Along with more than 60 aerospace, defense, and aviation-related tenants, these partners reinforce MLB’s role as a thriving innovation and economic hub on Florida’s Space Coast.
Cliff Graham, CM Director of Operations & Maintenance
• The long-awaited Brevard County Ellis Road widening project has begun, creating a direct, expanded connection between I-95 and the airport. This critical infrastructure investment will improve traffic flow, support our aerospace partners, and position MLB for future growth.
Ellis Road Improvements
Director of Operations & Maintenance
Cliff Graham, CM
Launchpads and Layovers
Transportation on the Space Coast September 18, 2025
William Crowe, P.E., MScM, PPM Vice President – Engineering and Construction
Launchpads and Layovers
• Man made port, dedicated in 1953
• Began as a small fishing and oil port, now well diversified in cruise, cargo and recreation
• Port Canaveral is a “Landlord Port”
• Approximately 3,300 acres, 1,100 of which are upland with 240 tenants/subtenants
• Elected Commissioners, representing 5 Districts, set policy and hire the CEO
• Special taxing district created by the State of Florida
• CPA ceased levying taxes in 1986
• We operate off revenue generated from operations and through federal funding and state grants
Transportation on the Space Coast September 18, 2025
Port and Surrounding Areas
NORTH CRUISE TERMINALS
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION
NORTH CARGO AREA
EXPLORATION TOWER
BANNANA RIVER SITE
SOUTH CARGO AREA THE COVE MARINA DISTRICT
KETCHAM PARK -2 / CT-3
PORT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
PARK
CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL
USACOE
JETTY
RODNEY
Launchpads and Layovers
• Engineering and Construction Department
Transportation on the Space Coast September 18, 2025
• Responsible For The Planning, Design, And Construction Of Port-owned Facilities
• 3.78M GSFT Port Wide, Garages, Terminals, Piers, Buildings, Etc.
• 1.2M In SF Under Air, Over 8600 Tons Of Air Conditioning Port Wide
• Includes The Environmental And Building Departments
Capital Projects Update
Cruise Projects
CT-1 Phase II Parking Expansion – Construction
CT- 2 Marine Works – Design
CT-3 and CT-8 FLASH Parking Upgrades – Const.
CT- 4 Marine Works – Design
CT-5 / CT-8 Roof Replacement – Const.
CT-5 Terminal Expansion – Design
CT-5 Marine Expansion – Design
CT-8 Elevator and Escalator Replacement – Const.
CT-10 Feasibility Study – Ongoing.
Mobile Modular PBB – Fabrication
Recreation Projects
Jetty Park Camp Store – Construction
Jetty Park Pavilion – CCCL Permit
Rodney Ketcham Boat Ramp – Design
General Port Projects
GKB / Flounder St. Intersection – Construction
FPL EV Charging Stations – Construction
NCB8, NCP1/2 Deepening – Dredging
Fire Station #52 Roof & Storage Building – Const.
Cargo Projects
NCB4 Improvements – Construction
LMH600 2nd (Evo6) MHC Purchase – Fabrication
Northside Pond Infill – Construction
STS Crane Demolition – Ongoing
SCP3/4 Infill – Planning
Thank
You!
Q & A
Cliff Graham
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Brianna Soat
Space Florida
Bill Crowe Canaveral Port Authority