Collier County directs staff to ask FAA, FDOT about potential deactivation of Everglades Airpark and to study fixes

Collier County commissioners unanimously authorized staff Tuesday to consult the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation to determine what obligations, if any, would apply if the county considered deactivating Everglades Airpark and to return with a full analysis of repair costs, revenue options and next steps.

The directive came after Transportation Management Services department head Trinity Scott outlined years of operating losses and storm damage at the unclassified airpark, including an estimated $1.2 million in hangar repairs from recent storms. “The Everglades Airpark has operated at a net operating loss for many, many, many years,” Scott said. “We are here to request authorization to engage the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation to seek information only regarding grantor requirements and obligations associated…