Agenda 08/26/2025 Item # 5B (Presentation - Future of the Everglades Airpark)8/26/2025
Item # 5.B
ID# 2025-2492
Executive Summary
Recommendation to accept a presentation detailing the results of the Everglades Airpark study requested by the Board of
County Commissioners at the March 11, 2025 meeting.
OBJECTIVE: To provide an updated study presentation to the Board of County Commissioners, per their direction, at
the March 11, 2025 meeting (item 11.D.) concerning the future of the Everglades Airpark.
CONSIDERATIONS: On March 11, 2025, during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Collier County Board of
County Commissioners (Item 11.D.), the issue of addressing the future of the Everglades Airpark was discussed.
During this discussion, several action items were assigned to those County team members involved. The action items
are summarized below and addressed in the presentation:
1. Conduct an "in-house" study to analyze the Everglades Airpark business.
2. Authorize staff to engage with the FAA and the DOT for fact-finding as it relates to grant obligations and assurances
and what it would take for the Everglades Airpark to become FAA-AIP grant eligible again.
3. Determine the steps necessary to return the airport to the same operational status as it was prior to Hurricane Irma
(2017).
4. Provide ten (10) years of data on operations and finances at the Everglades Airpark.
5. Address whether County Tourism funds could be used to support operational costs at the Everglades Airpark.
This agenda item is consistent with the Collier County Strategic Plan through Responsible Governance, safeguarding
taxpayer money by promoting fiscal stewardship and sound budget oversight while also seeking to preserve and enhance
the character of our community.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this study presentation.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: This item is consistent with Section B: Intermodal & Multimodal
Transportation, Subsection 2: Aviation of the Transportation Element of the Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires majority vote for approval. –
CMG
RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendation to accept the accompanying presentation, and if necessary, to provide
additional direction to the County Staff members.
PREPARED BY: Bryant Garrett, AAE - Executive Airports Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 March 11th BCC Meeting Item 11D Authorizing Staff to contact the FAA with the possibility of closing the X01 Everglades
Airpark