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Commission approves 30‑year airport lease with Jocko Aviation LLC
Summary
The board approved a 30‑year land lease at the county airport with Jocko Aviation LLC; the lessee, John Wilcox, described plans for maintenance, part‑135 charter operations and expected job creation, and the lease includes automatic annual rent escalations and two 10‑year renewal options.
Okeechobee County commissioners unanimously approved a 30‑year lease with Jocko Aviation LLC for Lot 41 at the county airport, authorizing the chair to execute the agreement.
John Wilcox (speaker 21), who described himself as a third‑generation Okeechobee resident and the prospective lessee, told the board his company plans to build aviation facilities and provide maintenance and charter services. "We want to really bring a major improvement to the airport...state of the art aviation," Wilcox said, describing plans for phased Part‑135 operations and an initial staff projection of 10–20 employees.
Lease terms and board action: Staff (speaker 15) recommended the lease for a 30‑year initial term beginning Jan. 29 with a monthly rate of $2,557.84 subject to a 3.5% annual escalation and two additional 10‑year renewal options. The board voted to approve the lease and authorized the chair to execute the agreement.
Why it matters: Commissioners noted airport improvements are part of a multi‑year effort to revive airport operations and attract private investment. Several commissioners said the board’s prior investments have made the airport more attractive to tenants, which could boost fuel sales, create local jobs and strengthen grant competitiveness.
