Friends of the Everglades Airpark

In early March of this year, Everglades City residents learned that the County was considering closing our 1940s Airpark, and that it was listed under the Consent Agenda for the March 11 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Residents and pilots throughout Florida and the southeast sent emails to the Commissioners asking them to pull the item from the Consent Agenda, which they did prior to the meeting. This provided the opportunity for many people to speak out. After listening to the supporters, the County Commissioners voted to do a study to determine how to keep the Airpark open. District Five Commissioner McDaniel asked that the study also consider the possibility of closing the Airpark. An Ad Hoc Committee was established to prepare a report with a list of recommendations. Stacey Heaton, Southern Regional Manager of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, spearheaded this committee. There were three meetings of the committee members, and a full report to the County Commissioners will be forthcoming.  

In the meantime, one of the pilots from outside Florida donated $5,000 to use to support the Airpark. The Friends of the Everglades Airpark was created as a Florida not-for-profit corporation, and paperwork is currently being processed to file it as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Donated funds will be used to advance public understanding and interest and benefits derived from the safe and efficient operation of the Everglades Airpark.  

At its first meeting on June 16, the following officers were elected: 

President - Deborah Trujillo; Vice President – Mike Merritt; Secretary/Treasurer – Paul Sims; Board of Directors: Harry Henkel and Greg Melanson. 

Currently, a website is being developed as well as printed material. Dues are $25 for individuals, $50 for family, $100 for businesses and donors, $500 for sponsors, and $1,000 for patrons. If you wish to become a member or donate, please mail a check to Friends of Everglades Airpark, Inc. to Harry Henkel, P.O. Box 372, Everglades City, FL, 34139. For more information, you can contact Harry at 410-829-7156.