City Council Approves Scholarships to Boost Aviation Diversity

During a recent city council meeting, members unanimously approved the addition of the Salt Creek property project to the Wiki Wachee project list, following a recommendation from the budget finance and taxation committee. The motion was made and seconded without any requests for further discussion, leading to a swift vote that confirmed the decision, with council member Burgess absent.

The meeting also featured public comments, including a presentation by Walt Driggers, representing the Friends of Albert Woodard Airport. Driggers highlighted the success of their scholarship program, which aims to promote inclusivity in aviation by supporting underrepresented minorities and women. Since its inception in September 2023, the program has awarded a total of $241,000 in scholarships, helping numerous participants obtain their pilot licenses and advance their aviation careers.

Driggers requested the city consider funding scholarships for the upcoming year, proposing a total of $16,000 to support the program. He emphasized the potential economic impact, noting that many recipients could become high earners within a decade. The council's engagement with community initiatives like this reflects its commitment to education and workforce development in Saint Petersburg.