Airport

One of Florida’s poorest counties is preparing for the new “Airglades” airport, a $300 million cargo hub that could transform its economy.Local leaders see the project as a generational opportunity, one that could bring more than 1,400 new, high-skilled jobs to their largely agricultural community at the edge of the Everglades. But to make good on its promise, the region’s educators will have to overcome some harsh realities.

To pilots, especially ones in mortal danger, air traffic controllers are voices at the end of a lifeline, saviors of the skies. On the ground, they are average people, exposed to the threat of emotional trauma and juggling high-risk problems in one of the most stressful jobs in America.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer and a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigator have been arrested in separate cases.The CPB and is facing charges that he stole cash from an international airline passenger during the course of his employment as a CBP officer at Naples Airport.A criminal complaint names William Joseph Timothy, 43, Naples, as the officer. If convicted, Timothy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

Southwest Florida International Airport has joined with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which is designed to allow travelers to let others know they have a non-visible disability. The Sunflower symbol, printed on a lanyard, badge, hat, wrist bracelet, pin or other branded item, indicates a person may need more assistance.

This is the 11th consecutive year Base Operations at Page Field has been named a top fixed-base operator by AIN. Base Operations ranked first in the Fort Myers/Naples area, landed in the top 15 overall for FBOs in the Americas and was also one of the top ranked FBOs in the facilities category.

RSW is among the top 5 U.S. airports for passenger satisfaction, according to the Travel Lens website.

Flying in a three-man formation as the “Veterans Airlift Command Tribute Wing” and led by Walt Fricke, former Army combat helicopter pilot and Vietnam Veteran, AirBoss and Founder of the Veterans Airlift Command non-profit, with fellow pilots Mike Grossmann and Dan Blackwell, the trio helped re-dedicate newly-opened Runway 4-22 at Punta Gorda Airport.

The FAA said it is working to restore its NOTAM, Notice to Air Missions System, which provides a notice to pilots of something they need to know at an airport like weather or a runway closure.

Passengers have brought 793 guns to TSA checkpoints across Florida this year. Nearly every one of the guns confiscated was loaded and most had ammunition chambered.

A United airlines flight from New Jersey blew a few tires upon landing at RSW Tuesday morning, effectively shutting the airport down for hours.