USA: Florida

[morganjp]

I used to Fly into Sarasota-Bradenton Airport when my Mother was still in Bradenton. I think the overnight fees were $10 or $15. It is the closest airport to Palmetto I believe. Are you flying back and forth to S N F or flying?
that would make a big difference in where you want to be.

[DEWATSON]

Grass strip on the north side of Ochlockonee Bay in north Florida. There is a BBQ place on the north end of the field called Hamaknockers. It is really good. My wife and I go there at least once every six weeks or so. Also, if you would like a one mile hike either way, you could walk to Angelos at the bridge. It is upscale seafood and really good. The walk is worth it.

[dmaib]

This is a heads up for the annual Balloon Fest at New Smyrna Beach. Dates are April 8, 9, and 10. The Balloon Fest has been greatly expanded this year and includes some big time air show acts like Patty Wagstaff and Sean Tucker. http://seasideballoonfest.com/cgi-bi...e-balloon-fest
This event is free and should be great fun.
Debi Boies, the founder of Pilots n' Paws is going to have a booth and will be hosting a luncheon on Saturday, April 9th for Pilots n' Paws volunteers. Drop Debi a note at pilotsnpaws@gmail.com and let her know if you plan to attend.

[dkol]

I'm planning a trip down to the Keys in a few weeks and have had a look through all the comments on this thread. From that I've put together the following rough plan:

RunwayFinder:
KI39;4A7;FD27;KSGJ;DED;KCOI;KFPR;MYAF;24.58959/-76.81229;MYES;MYAK;MYAB;MYAF;KFPR;KOBE;KBCT;KMTH;K EYW;KMTH;X01;25.99138/-81.67374;KVNC;2RR;X25;KGIF;48X;KSPG;CDK;30.06434/-83.58124;KECP;K0J4;83J;1R8;33.83833/-86.20217;KGAD;KI39

Since I want to build up the experience of landing at as many airports as possible there are a lot of small hops in there...and a larger one to the Bahamas . Some are stops to see friends.

For those of you with Florida and/or Bahamas experience I would welcome any and all suggestions.

[Jack Tyler]

Dan, much of course depends on what you want to see/do on your way southeast...and then back to KY, presumably. But it seems likely that one of the routes will or could be along FL's west coast. Given that, I'd recommend you look into a visit at KSPG, St. Pete's downtown airport.

http://www.stpete.org/airport/

The downtown waterfront venue - a mix of parks, marinas, shops and many museums - is quite special. The local 'Looper' (pseudo-historic looking bus) costs a quarter, making for easy transport and a free tour if your layover time is short. The new FBO (and it's very nice restaurant, if a bit more upscale than typically found at GA airports) happens to be located next to the new, strikingly different but oddly appealing Dali Museum (and from there onwards via the Looper), and St. Pete even tosses in a new Control Tower (which is now dedicated but, as with most things FAA these days, not quite operational).

Picturesque as FL communities go, from the air and on foot, and with 3 of its 4 approaches over water. Mind the sailboats with the tall masts... <s>

Jack

[dkol]

Thanks for the info Jack. I'll definitely have to add that in. I'm flying right past there on the trip back North.

[carlrai]

Dan,

You can obtain a very complete directory of Florida Airports through the FDOT. Has photos of nearly every airport in Florida and is a handy guide when approaching a new field. Google Florida Department of Transportation and do a search within that site or contact:

Aviation Office
Florida Department of Transportation
605 Suwanee Street, MS 46
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450
Mr. Fred Karuga
850-414-4500 Phone
850-414-4508 Facsimile
fred.karuga@dot.state.fl.us

I keep one in my flight bag and one at home. Very handy when prepping a critical breakfast mission

Check the Bahamas Department of Tourism (or something like that). They also have a ton of information including checklists for flying into Bahamas and return to US. FPR is the best choice for return with quick, uncrowded facilities. caribbeanflyingadventures.com is also a good source of info and procedures. Jim gets a few bucks for the service but it's very inexpensive and includes departure/arrival checklists, videos of landing at many Caribbean destination and up to date fuel price$$$ (Be prepared and bring cash)
This just scratches the surface but it's a start if you've never made the Bahamian trip.

Good Luck

[dkol]

Thanks for the info. Carl. I just signed up with caribbean flying adventures. I don't mind paying a bit for some good intel.

[carlrai]

If you don't get one of the Florida Airport Directories, start asking at the FBO's in FL as you begin your tour. Many will have it available - free for the asking. That is, if they haven't all been spoken for.

Good Luck

[mannanj]

Anyone know if aviators are still flying into Sebring for breakfast on Wed. mornings??????