Proposed Florida Panhandle Airport Causing Controversy

"Supporters and opponents of the proposed $300 million airport agree that service into the existing airport, off Florida Highway 390, far from the beaches, is limited and expensive. But they concur on little else."

"Backers of the new airport say it will permit the landing of larger aircraft and spur competition, resulting in cheaper fares. They have spent $40 million on plans for the new facility, and they hope to break ground this year."

"Some environmentalists have blasted the proposed airport, and the sprawl it could create, as a potential ecological disaster. Many local pilots oppose relocating the airport, which they contend is more than adequate. But opponents admit they are fighting an uphill battle to stop the new facility, which has lined up funding and cleared all but one major regulatory hurdle."

"Opponents have focused much of their wrath on airport backer the St. Joe Co., a timber-turned-development company that owns about 800,000 acres of land in the Panhandle...St. Joe argues the new airport will be good for the company and the people who live and vacation in the area."

"Detractors argue St. Joe's generosity will be repaid many times over as the company develops thousands of acres of land near the airport."