Two Charlotte County events eye $10M economic impact

Two of Charlotte County’s biggest annual events are expected to deliver a combined economic impact of about $10 million this fall as thousands of visitors descend on Englewood and Punta Gorda. 

Englewood Beach Waterfest, with its main events scheduled for Oct. 9-11, and the Florida International Air Show, set for Nov. 7-8 at Punta Gorda Airport, are each expected to generate about $5 million in economic activity, according to Sean Doherty, Charlotte County’s tourism director. 

The back-to-back events provide a significant boost to hotels, restaurants and other businesses as Charlotte County heads into its winter tourism season. 

Waterfest draws thousands of spectators to Englewood Beach for offshore powerboat racing, along with a block party, conservation activities and other events. 

The Florida International Air Show will follow about a month later at Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 A-1 Airport Road. 

Doherty was among county officials, air show organizers and members of the media who attended an Oct. 6 reception at the PGD Air Center previewing this year’s show. 

“The air show brings visitors to our area who stay in local accommodations, dine in our restaurants, shop in our businesses and explore our community,” Florida International Air Show President Denise Dull said. “These visits support our local economy while showcasing Punta Gorda Airport as an important regional asset.” 

The nonprofit air show is staffed entirely by volunteers, and organizers are positioning the weekend as more than a lineup of aerial performances. The event also will include static aircraft displays, interactive exhibits, food vendors, community organizations and aviation and STEM activities. 

Aarron Deliu, an Australian aerobatic pilot and one of this year’s featured performers, will fly an Extra 330SC. His routine includes high-energy aerobatic maneuvers accompanied by commentary that spectators can hear from the ground. 

Deliu began flying at 14 and later flew commercial and corporate aircraft before building an international career in aerobatic competition and air shows throughout the world. He said his work with young people has become an increasingly important part of his career. 

That emphasis on the next generation dovetails with Charlotte County’s growing investment in aviation education. 

Deelynn Bennett, director of education and STEM programming for the Florida International Air Show and a former Charlotte County Public Schools administrator, said 2,000 free tickets have been distributed to students. An essay contest also will recognize student winners in early November. 

Aviation education has expanded within Charlotte County Public Schools and Charlotte Technical College as community leaders work to build a pipeline from the classroom into aviation careers. Charlotte Technical College offers aviation airframe and powerplant mechanics programs, while Charlotte High School has added aviation assembly and fabrication and avionics systems programs. 

Deliu recently visited Deep Creek Elementary School, where he answered students’ questions about aviation and encouraged children interested in becoming pilots or pursuing other aviation careers. 

Other scheduled air show performers include Bill Culberson in a MiG-17, Rick Sharpe in a TA-4J Skyhawk, aerobatic pilot Kevin Coleman, Franklin Flying Circus and The Chuters Jump Team. The weekend also will feature aircraft displays, STEM activities, food vendors and family entertainment. 

“Over its 40-year history, the air show has contributed more than $3.6 million to Southwest Florida charities, providing direct support and fundraising opportunities for nonprofit and civic organizations,” Dull said.