Read today where Charlotte county is dropping the airshow after 34 years. Then I noticed it's not listed on 2015 SBI schedule either. Well that was short lived.. I knew those grumpy old people wouldn't stand you loud and rowdy racers disturbing their neighborhood. Causing unwanted traffic and economic benefits during snowbird molting season.


Heck they couldn't even agree on continuing one of the nations top rated, longest running airshows.

From: http://www.floridaairshow.com/

"Several factors impaired the organization’s ability to successfully host the 2015 Florida International Air Show . The most impactful has been the loss of the Presenting sponsor, as well as the lack of support from County Government from the event permit fee, to the loss of in kind services including Fire and Sherriff’s Office support , to the refusal of support from the Charlotte Harbor Visitor’s Bureau to which the Air Show organization has paid significant bed tax for 34 years."

Now that sounds like the Charlotte County I remember....

OPA now has Englewood Beach on its schedule for November.

Yup the race is off the schedule. You are correct the promoters had to push hard last yr to get funded. This year the City refused to fund the race and the promoters had no support from from local business or residents. Actually the resident are against it and lobbied againt it, not something they want on Englewood Beach.

Englewood Bch , Fl - Average age - Death +10 . I sent one of my back-up Parasail boats down to EB to test the area . Most of the people were so old , they farted dust. I'll still go to see a race , at least it wont be crowded......

When I lived there back in the 80's our favorite saying was, "There is only two types of people in Charlotte County, newlywed's and nearly dead's." Not being in the latter, I chose to move...

Such a shame, we actually had a great time last year. Maybe try it again, when we are all 80+

It a shame a little help from the city and better organization from the promoters it could of been a ok race site. Alot of issues to over come to really make it worth trying again.

Frank
If I recall you did not race this site, last year

Yeah we were there last year and spent some time talking to the locals. Many were complaining on the actual cost to the area to put this on. The 2 restaurants on the corner made some money though. Beach was beautiful.

No i was working with Sbi on that site and it was a nightmare.

Restaurants and hotels did well , the main issue is the city wants a later date. That doesnt work with SBI schedule....