CALL TO ACTION: WAKULLA COUNTY AIRPORT, FLORIDA

On Monday September 19, 2022 Wakulla County Commissioners are expected to effectively close the Wakulla County airport by terminating the Airport license.

This will result in the loss of Wakulla’s only public use airport. Once it’s closed it’s lost forever, a loss to Florida and all pilots who enjoy flying to this Florida airfield near Panacea, FL with nearby Gulf fishing, boating, hiking, biking, bird watching, and a live “Gator cam” that reveals fascinating underwater life.

What we need you to do:

Express your support: Attend the upcoming Commissioner meeting, and email each Commissioner.

Here are talking points to use in your message , stated in your own words:

Wakulla Airport has been open since 1966;
The turf 2,590-feet airfield is only suitable for light aircraft. Heavy aircraft will not abuse this airfield;
Local airports are a significant economic driver in tourist and recreational areas –Recreational small aircraft aviation is a growing segment of General Aviation;
Recently the Commission invested over $2,500 for brush removal and the installation of a fire hydrant;
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) engages positively and cooperatively with authorities, communities, pilots and non-pilots, and other stakeholders in helping airfields thrive;
The RAF grants funds for local volunteers to make approved improvements;
Commission is encouraged to renew license and transfer liability and management of facility to Tarpine HOA, an established Domestic Profit Corporation, in good standing with the State of Florida;
Tarpine HOA has the leadership to assume responsibility.

Commission meeting:

5 pm, Monday, September 19, 2022
202 Ochlockonee St
Crawfordville, FL 32327

BoCC Chambers Location

Flying in to 2J0? Ground transportation to and from the meeting will be provided upon request.

EVERYONE is urged to take a moment to send an email of support to each Wakulla Commissioner:

Quincee Messersmith: qmessersmith@mywakulla.com

Mike Kemp: mkemp@mywakulla.com

Chuck Hess: chess@mywakulla.com

Randy Merritt: rmerritt@mywakulla.com

Ralph Thomas: rthomas@mywakulla.com

David Edwards, Administrator: dedwards@mywakulla.com

Posted in News

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026