Chances are particularly good that Gov. Rick Scott will appoint Republican political activist Sam Rashid to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, the group that oversees Tampa International Airport.
A source close to the situation says Rashid is the leading contender over 20 well-qualified applicants.
A Hillsborough County businessperson, Rashid is also a well-known fundraiser for the GOP. The 51-year-old Valrico resident is CEO of Holtec USA, the American division of a German manufacturer of specialized lumber production equipment.
Dr. Joseph Diaco, a Charlie Crist appointee, previously held the now-open Aviation Authority seat. Amid rumors he would not be reappointed after his term ended July 1, Diaco sent a letter to the governor declining to reapply for the position.
Diaco’s departure leaves two positions Scott will need to fill on the Aviation Board.
Tampa International is in the process of an $841 million expansion, part of a makeover expected to develop over the next 20 years. Plans include a 1.3-mile elevated system connecting the main terminal to a merged rental car facility on the airport’s south side, as well as 50,300 square feet of additional space in the terminal.
