[Jo48]

It's SEASON in the Ft. Myers/Naples area. Seems to be more snowbirds than last year. Of course, employers plan to hire more in January, February, March. What happens in APRIL when they all go home? See the unemployment figures RISE again. There is no real "industry" other than tourism/service in this area.

[crazynip]

Originally Posted by jambo101

You should check out Lakeland airports annual "Sun and fun Fly In"
Its a major USA event, lots of planes,parties and interesting people. Sun n' Fun » Home

I am well aware of Sun N Fun... there is zero need for Lakeland to have commercial flights when it's dead in the middle of 2 huge international airports.

[jambo101]

If companies are using Lakeland for commercial flights its probably because landing and fuel and related fees are probably a lot cheaper than the Tampa or Orlando airports.Whatever the reason if commercial flights are landing in that airport theres probably a good reason for it..

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by crazynip

I am well aware of Sun N Fun... there is zero need for Lakeland to have commercial flights when it's dead in the middle of 2 huge international airports.

What is your reasoning for saying "there is zero need for Lakeland to have commercial flights when it's dead in the middle of 2 huge international airports."?

While you're at it Lakeland is surrounded by 5 airports with commercial flights and still found a niche' that is exceeding expectations. You sound almost threatened as if little 'ole Lakeland is going to take flights from one of the majors. Not gonna happen.

Tampa Int'l - 39 miles west
Orlando Int'l - 45 miles east
St. Pete/Clearwater Int'l - 50 miles west
Sarasota/Bradenton Int'l - 80 miles southwest
Orlando/Sanford Int'l - 81 miles northeast

Lakeland could've gone the Tallahassee route. I'm sure the taxpayers would love that.

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by jambo101

If companies are using Lakeland for commercial flights its probably because landing and fuel and related fees are probably a lot cheaper than the Tampa or Orlando airports.Whatever the reason if commercial flights are landing in that airport theres probably a good reason for it..

Exactly!

It's not a money pit for the city and will only help to enhance the county as a whole.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by HeartofFlorida

What is your reasoning for saying "there is zero need for Lakeland to have commercial flights when it's dead in the middle of 2 huge international airports."?

While you're at it Lakeland is surrounded by 5 airports with commercial flights and still found a niche' that is exceeding expectations. You sound almost threatened as if little 'ole Lakeland is going to take flights from one of the majors. Not gonna happen.

Tampa Int'l - 39 miles west
Orlando Int'l - 45 miles east
St. Pete/Clearwater Int'l - 50 miles west
Sarasota/Bradenton Int'l - 80 miles southwest
Orlando/Sanford Int'l - 81 miles northeast

Lakeland could've gone the Tallahassee route. I'm sure the taxpayers would love that.

Exactly, not to mention a bonus for consumers as competition lowers airfares. The Sanford airport (just north of Orlando) is beginning to hit it's stride with expanded service from Allegiant Airlines as well as DirectAir, VisionAir and newly scheduled international flights via Iceland Air, Iceland Express and SSTAir (Brazil). I would expect the same result eventually for Lakeland.

Orlando Sanford International Airport - Our Airlines

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Exactly, not to mention a bonus for consumers as competition lowers airfares. The Sanford airport (just north of Orlando) is beginning to hit it's stride with expanded service from Allegiant Airlines as well as DirectAir, VisionAir and newly scheduled international flights via Iceland Air, Iceland Express and SSTAir (Brazil). I would expect the same result eventually for Lakeland.

Orlando Sanford International Airport - Our Airlines

[HeartofFlorida]

Source: The Ledger

AUBURNDALE | A proposed $20 million recreational facility could give Auburndale a global reputation in sports.

That's the potential for a youth summer camp proposed by 5J International, a Venezuelan company, on about 350 acres at Old Dixie Highway and the Polk Parkway. more...

More: Venezuelan Firm Plans $20 Million Youth Sports Camp in Auburndale | TheLedger.com
More construction jobs on the way and the end result benefits the city of Auburndale and Polk County. A regional football stadiumwould be the last piece of the puzzle and provide Auburndale with year round activity.

[alfbroker]

Florida unemployment still higher than US average but is improving faster than most
With 913,000 unemployed and about 1,500,000 underemployed or have temporarily given up, it's still not a great idea to move to Florida to look for a job.

[tiluha]

Sure...if you enjoy working for $7.67 per hour, no opportunities for advancement, working like a dog, and hostile work environments...I say come on down!!!