For now the new Bay County International Airport is moving forward. Despite the lawsuits, Randy Curtis, the airport's executive director, said it appears the construction schedule is on track for the new airport to open in early 2010.
The airport has withstood legal challenges from environmentalists, a local pilots group and others who have argued it is unnecessary and will destroy environmentally sensitive wetlands. The lawsuits continue but the future of the new airport — the first since Sept. 11, 2001 — appears increasingly certain to both supporters and opponents.
"We did our battle and we were unsuccessful," said Fred Werner, a Panama City pharmacist and amateur pilot whose organization, Friends of PFN — the FAA's designation for the existing Panama City airport — sued to block the new airport.
And the airport? More people can not enjoy the beauty of Panama City Beach if they can access the region. Currently, only 8 percent of the people that come to these beautiful beaches are flying. Millions of people come to the beach every year but most of them drive. Over the long-term the market will expand with the airport.
Jerry
Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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