Summer 2024 Community Engagement Highlights
This summer has been bustling with community engagement and special events that have showcased the spirit and dedication of the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) and its partners.
Naples 4th of July Parade
The month kicked off with the vibrant Naples 4th of July Parade, where the NAA proudly participated alongside members of the Experimental Aircraft Association. The parade featured an impressive lineup of floats, fire engines, school groups, bands, dance troupes, scouts, and civic groups. A standout addition was our big green ARFF truck, which not only paraded down the street but also provided a much-needed cool down by spraying water for the attendees to enjoy on a sweltering July morning. Airport staff also passed out fans to the thousands of onlookers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Seascape at Naples Veterans Event
On July 17th, NAA supported a memorable event for local veterans hosted by Seascape at Naples. Veterans were invited to the General Aviation Terminal for a coffee reception and given a rare opportunity to get up close with a T-28 Trojan aircraft. This gesture of appreciation provided veterans with memorable gifts and experiences to share with their loved ones.
NAACP Leadership in Flight Training Program
Continuing our tradition of supporting local youth, the NAA was proud to sponsor and host the deployment ceremony for six deserving students participating in the NAACP Leadership in Flight Training Program. The students—Aaron Abreu, Emily Bartista Torre, Anne Donnellan, Parker Guth, Taylor Johnson, and Jonathan Rosas Santiago—were celebrated at the event, which highlighted the importance of leadership, service, and commitment. Soon, these students will embark on a six-day residency on the Aircraft Carrier Experimental AMBITION CVT-11 program at Naval Air Station Pensacola, gaining invaluable experience and skills.
These events reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing community ties and supporting both the heritage and the future of aviation in Naples. Each occasion brought our community closer together, reinforcing the NAA’s role in fostering community spirit and engagement.
About Naples Airport
Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of Mexico and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The airport serviced 119,075 annual operations and more than 200,000 passengers last year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to corporate aviation, air charter, car rental, flight schools and critical public services such as fire/rescue, air ambulance services, mosquito control and the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. The airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes.
All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact on the community at more than $781 million.
For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.