Still no answers: Some travelers left in limbo after Jacksonville airport garage fire
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The flames and thick black smoke that captured national headlines on May 16 may have cleared, but for some vehicle owners, the frustration is still smoldering.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s been nearly two weeks since a massive fire in the hourly parking garage at Jacksonville International Airport, and several travelers say they still have no idea what happened to their cars.

The flames and thick black smoke that captured national headlines on May 16 may have cleared, but for some First Coast News viewers, the frustration is still smoldering. They contacted the Ask Anthony team for help. 

“It boils down to the lack of communication,” said Lori Regan, who, along with her husband Larry, dropped off their Ford F-150 with the airport’s valet service before flying to Cancun.

Their relaxing vacation quickly turned into a waiting game with no answers.

“We’ve signed up for every possible notification, given our vehicle information to every resource, but to this day, we have no idea as to the condition of our vehicle,” Lori Regan said.

The couple has searched news reports, made calls and sent emails in hopes of learning whether their truck survived the fire. But without confirmation, they said they can’t even file an insurance claim.

“We cannot file a claim because we can’t claim anything,” Lori Regan explained.

According to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, about 100 vehicles remain inside the damaged garage. Thirty-seven of those were parked by valet on the top floor, which is still considered unsafe. Officials said a crane may be needed to safely remove some of the vehicles.

Photos provided by the airport show ongoing structural work on the first and second floors of the garage.


Access to some vehicles by airport staff is also delayed due to an ongoing federal investigation. The JAA said once the BMW believed to have started the fire is removed, they expect progress to accelerate.

“I do hope you’re able to find some resolution to this. I know we’re not alone. But really the bottom line is communication,” Lori Regan said.

Here are three key takeaways for affected drivers:

  • Once a vehicle is identified, airport representatives will send letters confirming its condition or if it’s in a compromised area. These letters can be used to support insurance claims.

  • If you’ve had to rent a vehicle, keep all receipts. You may be reimbursed later.

  • Continue contacting the airport for updates. You can call 904-741-2710 or email  jax_airport_event@flyjax.com

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