A bumpy flight to success: Everglades Airpark to remain open

On January 10, I contacted Bryant Garrett, executive manager of airport operations, to ask whether these rumors were true. His reply was blunt: “There is truth to the claim that the county commissioners are considering the permanent closing of the Everglades Airpark.”

To understand the situation, we began gathering details: whether the airport had federal or state obligations, its recent grant history, operational data, available services, local regulations, and its economic impact. The challenges quickly became clear. Hurricanes had damaged the hangars and fuel system, and the last tenant had shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. With no income stream, the county saw closure as the easiest path forward—and showed little interest in repairing infrastructure to reverse the decline.

Next, we needed to assess how closing Everglades Airpark would affect pilots. AOPA launched a survey asking about airport use, fuel purchases, frequency of visits, and personal connections. In just a few weeks, nearly 3,500 pilots responded—evidence of how important this airport was to the community. The survey also helped us build strong partnerships with local citizens and pilots in Everglades City.

Armed with this information, I met with four of the five county commissioners in early March, ahead of their March 11 meeting, to explain the risks of closing the airport. I also suggested forming an ad hoc committee to explore solutions. Unfortunately, the discussions did not dissuade the commissioners: At the March 11 meeting, commissioners directed staff to consult with the state and the FAA on the implications of closure. They did, however, ask AOPA to organize the proposed committee.

The ad hoc committee included 40 local citizens and pilots from across South Florida. Initial meetings gave the county a chance to present its case for closure. Later sessions focused on gathering ideas to preserve and improve the airport. Meanwhile, local advocates formed a nonprofit organization—Friends of the Everglades Airpark—dedicated to protecting the airport. Within weeks, they secured 501(c)(3) status, launched a Facebook page, created outreach materials, and began fundraising. Their first pancake breakfast fly-in in July drew over 30 aircraft, along with drive-in visitors, showcasing the spirit of the airport community.

Momentum built. The county repaired the fuel system, interest grew, and a hangar waitlist formed. The Friends group created pilot welcome packages, arranged local transportation, and promoted Everglades City hospitality—all with support from county airport staff member Zack Pyle, whose enthusiasm has made pilots feel genuinely welcome.

The ad hoc committee’s final report was delivered to the Board of County Commissioners, recommending improvements such as enhanced management, expanded aircraft storage, safety upgrades, and even planning for future advanced air mobility. Thanks to pilot Kevin Dohm, the report also included resolutions from both Everglades City and Marco Island supporting the airport’s preservation.

At the August 26 commissioners’ meeting, staff presented updates on the airport’s financial status and obligations. Operations and income, to date, were better than the previous year. While revenue remained a concern, Commissioner Rick LoCastro reminded colleagues, “We just want to control the bleeding; it doesn’t need to be a cash cow.” He emphasized the value of airports as community resources. Chairman Burt Saunders went further, thanking AOPA and county staff for their work, and stated: “This is a good news story. We’ll keep this airport open and running.”

While this is a victory, it is not the end of the story. As Saunders noted, “Obviously we want to keep this airport open. We are going to spend money to make that happen. It's important that there be activity out there.”

The future of Everglades Airpark now rests with pilots and the community. Continued use and support will ensure this unique airport not only survives but thrives.