Tampa International Airport has installed a temporary 9-foot AquaFence system to protect two airfield electrical vault buildings from storm surge and flooding near Airside A. The $1.9 million project is designed to shield critical power equipment used for airfield lighting, signs and communications, helping preserve runway operations before and after severe weather.
The installation uses 150 Clima Armour FloodWall panels that can be stored until a storm threatens. Tampa International said the barrier is the first AquaFence system at a Florida airport and is rated for Category 4 conditions, while the vaults themselves are considered vulnerable in a Category 3 hurricane or stronger. A contracted emergency response team can deploy the panels about 48 hours before severe weather. The project also includes foundations, drainage improvements, fencing and pumps to manage rainfall inside the protected area. H.L. Pruitt Corp. was selected as contractor at an August 2025 board meeting.