Everglades Airpark News

In early March of 2025, concern was raised about the possibility of closing the Everglades Airpark. Kevin Dohm wrote an article in the Coastal Breeze News outlining the Collier County plan for considering the closure.

Several community members in Everglades City took action. Fortunately, the County Commissioners agreed to remove the proposal from their “Consent Agenda.” An “Ad-Hoc” Committee was established by Stacey Heaton, the Southeast Representative for AOPA, which is a nationally known pilots’ association. Stacey set up a series of Zoom meetings allowing an open discussion of the future of the Everglades Airpark.

By mid-July, the fuel tank’s card reader was repaired and the tank was emptied to be checked for potential leaks. None were found and 8,500 gallons of fuel were delivered. Later on in July, the Friends of Everglades Airpark hosted its first “Pancake Fly In.” 38 planes came, some with passengers, along with several local residents, who enjoyed the return of this tradition. Soon after that, 6,000 more gallons of aviation fuel were delivered. The “Vir-Tower was repaired and we soon had data on monthly plane activity which steadily increased month to month.

On August 26, Trinity Scott gave a very positive report on the progress of Everglades Airpark since fuel was made available. The County Commissioners unanimously agreed to keep the Airpark open and hasten the repair of the hangar building which has sat idle since Hurricane Ian in 2022.

On November 15, the Friends of the Everglades Airpark hosted its first-ever Airpark Day. Over 300 people showed up, including Bryant Garrett, Head of Collier County’s Airport Authority, and Trinity Scott, Head of Collier County’s Department of Transportation. We had at least 10 vendors with a variety of aviation-related displays. Included was a representative from Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute, located in Naples. After this event, 7,000 more gallons of fuel were delivered. The Friends of the Everglades Airpark hosted its second Pancake Fly In on March 25, 2026. Thirty-nine planes arrived for that event, and as many came for the Annual “Old Farts” fly-in on March 19. Just two weeks ago, another 7,200 gallons of fuel were delivered to the Airpark.

Collier County is nearing the phase of opening bids for the hangar repairs. In the interim, the Aviation Community is making good use of the Everglades Airpark. The Friends of the Everglades Airpark have made a difference in promoting the continued use of operations there. We have provided bicycles for the Pilots to have a means to explore the amenities of Everglades City. Some take Airboat Rides or explore our museum and the new National Park Visitor Center. Many of them purchase Stone Crab Claws and, of course, patronize the local restaurants or stay a night at our hotels. When the hangars are repaired, this will increase the profits, which will help to prove the value of saving the Airpark.