BLACKWATER’S ANNUAL VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY

RAF Florida Liaison Bobby Capozzi reports that a total of 26 volunteers signed in for this year’s 2024 work party at Blackwater Airfield (8FD3). Workers applied a fresh coat of bright white paint to the runway tires, installed the new RAF windsock and added the new RAF support sign. The barbecue grills were serviced and volunteers mowed, weed-whacked and cut back growth in and around the common area. An area was identified for the installation of a lockable wood storage shed, planned for 2025.

Blackwater Airfield is in the Blackwater State Forest, and since 2013, the RAF has successfully cooperated with Florida State Forestry to maintain the airfield.

This year’s work was shifted from November to December for welcome cooler weather, “allowing for a larger fire,” Capozzi said. RAF Ohio Liaison Freeman Swank and his wife Mary Jane attended for the second year, along with RAF Ambassadors Shane Hartman and his wife Elaine, Cole Pearson, Joe DeLeon, volunteer Lynn Gardner, and VP of Appreciation Kim Capozzi. “We give a special thanks to Carl Gillilan for his continued support and trailer full of firewood,” Bobby said. 

Overnight campers tied down along the verdant turf airfield and enjoyed the amenities in the forested camping area, including the barbecue grills, picnic tables and camaraderie around the fire ring.  

For more information about Blackwater Airfield, the required user permit and required safety briefing, visit the Airfield Guide. 

Submitted January 9, 2025