Don’t let critics destroy airport
Editor, The Sun:
It’s despicable to destroy public infrastructure out of spite and ignorance. In last week’s Sun Ms. LaHart falsely claimed that Tarpine residents were Wakulla County Airport’s primary users. (Letter to the Editor, Dec. 28th issue: “Make airport users pay for the airport” by Val LaHart.) Private outside pilots, medical evacuation first responders, and military training personnel make up the vast majority of users. Ms LaHart claimed Tarpine users were not paying their way, yet Tarpine owners are assessed for having an airport amenity.
The disaster relief alone beginning the day after Hurricane Michael was worth Wakulla County’s $4,500 annual budget for the airport. Life saving emergency medical evacuation from Wakulla County Airport is worth at least a hundred times Wakulla County’s $4,500 annual budget. And $4,500 is a pittance for military air/sea rescue training from our airport.
Ms. LaHart and Mr. Franco both purchased their homes with full knowledge of the nearby airport but they now cry because airplanes actually use the Wakulla County Airport.
Mr. Franco complains that a certain military aircraft comes to the airport, yet that aircraft only comes to Wakulla for less than a half an hour once or twice a year. Wakulla County Airport is a public use airfield open to private, public, and military operations. We should not unpatriotically deny military use.
Mr. Catalina was trespassed from the Wakulla County Airport for endangering lives and property of others by among other things illegally flying a drone over the runway.
A few disgruntled unhappy critics should not destroy the work of others.
Ted Recker
Tarpine
Airport is an asset for all
Editor, The Sun:
In response to Val LaHart’s continued airport criticism in last week’s Wakulla Sun, I was dumbfounded by her tactics in yet another attempt to “stir the pot” with incorrect accusations. Government’s primary responsibility is that of protecting Citizens and that is EXACTLY what the Wakulla airport does, along with many other ancillary benefits to the Citizens of Wakulla and the State of Florida.
We in Wakulla were thankfully spared the truly devastating effects of Hurricane Michael (Cat5). Points West were relentlessly leveled to the ground. The day after landfall, multiple military helicopters landed at Wakulla airport and staged disaster relief supplies for expedited delivery. What value should be placed on the ability to quickly and safely provide disaster relief and recovery?
More to the point, hurricane Idalia (CAT4) was heading directly for Ocklockonee Bay and Panacea. Just prior to landfall Idalia took a hard right turn, sadly devastating our neighbors to the East. I shudder to think what would have happened if not for that merciful (for Wakulla) last minute turn. Obviously, had Idalia struck Wakulla, the airport would have been an absolutely critical resource for the disaster relief and recovery that would have been so vital in saving lives here. That’s not hyperbole; it’s undeniable that airports are crucial for saving lives, especially after natural disasters. I’m afraid it’s just a matter of time before Wakulla becomes the victim of a major hurricane, we need to be prepared and the airport is tremendous mitigation infrastructure.
In addition, helicopter medical evacuations are common, with many patients coming from Franklin County in addition to Wakulla County. Military Special Operations Squadrons also utilize the airport to hone their skills in order to protect not only the Citizens of Wakulla, but our entire Nation.
Ms LaHart complains about a $30.79 electric bill and proclaims more than $900 per month is spent on the airport. The truth is the total airport budget for FY 23/24 is a whopping $4,500 and no, that’s not a typo. So, $4,500 divided by 12 leaves Wakulla with a budget busting $375 per month! The current Wakulla total budget for FY 23/24 is $273,569,142, which means the total airport budget represents 0.000016 of Wakulla’s total budget. For a little more perspective, Wakulla’s budget for the BoCC Attorney and legal expenses alone (no Constitutional offices) is $362,268. That’s more than 80 times the airport budget.
I think it’s fair to say that if it were not for the efforts of many dedicated supporters, the airport property would have been gobbled up long ago and developed into yet another RV park or residential subdivision.
Ian Thomas
Panacea
Airport sounds like a bargain
Editor, The Sun:
In reading “Make Airport users Pay for the Airport” last week, it struck me as odd that a $900 per month county cost for an airport could even be a “thing” in contention.
Heck, my car payment is a little over $1,100! I am not a pilot or fly in small planes, but I was a mechanic for Delta. I certainly don’t want my taxes wasted. But I do know a heck of a bargain when I see one. I don’t care who uses the airport as long as it is open to all.
Quibbling over $900 takes the focus off the massive boondoggles going on all over the county.
As my Dad used to say “Son, don’t be a stepping on them quarters to pick up pennies.”
I’d like to know the rest of the story.
Edward Lingelbach
Yellowbird2165@icloud.com
