The Closing of Everglades City Airport

A few days ago, I received a notice from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) warning its members in South Florida about the potential permanent closure of Everglades City Airport. To say this was a surprise would be an understatement—especially since I regularly use Everglades Airpark as a valuable teaching aid for student pilots. This critical decision will be on the agenda of the Collier County Commissioners on March 11, 2025.

You may wonder, “Why should I care about a small airport 30 miles from Marco Island? I don’t fly small airplanes.” The answer is simple: Everglades Airpark is a vital hub for emergency response and disaster relief.

A Critical Lifeline in Times of Disaster

During natural disasters, local airports play a crucial role in response and recovery efforts by providing access to affected areas. Their historical significance in opening remote locations across the United States underscores their value in emergencies.

For those with short memories, consider the struggles North Carolina residents faced when post-tropical cyclone Helene devastated the western part of the state with record rainfall. Closer to home, many will remember the thick, suffocating smoke that blanketed Marco Island and surrounding areas during the Everglades wildfires. Residents of golf course communities along Route 951 were advised to evacuate, and the fires crossed I-75, scorching lush fairways. Could our region be the next to face a wildfire disaster akin to those in California? If so, Everglades Airpark would be the perfect base for a fleet of quick-response fire suppression aircraft.

The Many Roles of Small Airports in Disaster Response

Local airports provide:

Emergency Accessibility: After a disaster, many roads may be blocked or impassable.

Aircraft Adaptability: Small airports can accommodate helicopters, cargo planes, and medical evacuation flights.

Self-Sufficient Operations: Airports often have backup power and fuel supplies.

Medical Evacuation Hub: They serve as critical centers for transporting injured individuals.

Logistical Coordination: They support aid deployment, communication centers, and utility restoration efforts.

A Historical Asset Worth Preserving

Aviation has played a transformative role in connecting remote areas across the United States. Everglades Airpark itself has a distinguished history dating back to the 1940s when it was used by the military and Civil Air Patrol. President Harry Truman even dedicated the airport in December 1947. To allow such an asset to be lost without thorough public discussion would be a disservice to the community.

Who Stands to Gain?

This brings us to a key question: Who benefits from closing Everglades Airpark? Could it be another land developer looking to build a strip mall, take the profits, and leave taxpayers responsible for maintaining an abandoned property? Before allowing this airport to disappear, we must consider its long-term value versus short-term financial gain.

Make Your Voice Heard

The people of Collier County—and especially the citizens of Everglades City—should have the final say in this decision. If you believe in preserving this essential airport, let the Collier County Commissioners know before it's too late. Attend the meeting on March 11, 2025, voice your concerns, and help protect this vital community resource.