Florida Jet Center Objects to Lengthier Airport Closures for Air Show

The third annual Wings 'N Wheels Air, Military & Vehicle Show will be held March 25 and 26, and the St. Lucie County International Airport will be closed for longer hours despite the objections of a businessman who said it could cost him $100,000 in lost revenue, St. Lucie County commissioners decided Tuesday.

The owners of Fort Pierce Jet Center said March is their busiest month, and they rely on the revenue to support them during the slow summer months.

"We have a long-term lease and pay the county more than $20,000 a month," said Adam Houck, who operates Fort Pierce Jet Center with his father, Errol Houck. "We ask reasonable limits on runway closure because it affects our business for days before and after the show."

The two previous shows were held in May and June, but organizers moved it to March this year in hope the weather will be cooler and more winter visitors will be around to boost crowds.

The Houcks said they agreed to March dates but expected the airport would be closed no more than three hours a day, not the five hours planned this year.

Having the runways closed for longer hours could mean less business for the Houcks.

Air show organizers said they need to close the runways for longer hours this year because they believe more military jets and parachute teams will participate.

Wings 'N Wheels is a benefit for Victory Forge Military Academy and Boot Camp in Port St. Lucie.

Air show director Inez Frid told commissioners that the show brings visitors who rent cars and hotel rooms and buy food locally.

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