Updates about Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (NWFBIA)

[Kurt]

TDC weighs in on airport name controversy | panama, airport, tdc - News - The News Herald

Airport Authority members, like parents of the new $318 million airport being birthed out near West Bay, are fielding criticism and suggestions about naming the new child from relatives both near and far.

The Bay County Tourist Development Council weighed in Tuesday on the growing controversy, approving a resolution asking the Airport Authority to revisit the issue, and suggesting the name Northwest Florida International Airport.


“I just think this is a lot simpler,” said TDC member Mike Nelson, referring to the name. Nelson, who also sits on the County Commission, said he thought Authority members were still open to a name change.


Authority members voted last week to name the new facility the Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport, a designation that has so far drawn criticism from local and regional observers, including some Okaloosa County officials who say the moniker is too similar to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in their county.




By Friday, Panama City Beach officials, including Mayor Gayle Oberst, councilmen Rick Russell and Bobby Bolton, and County Commissioner Mike Thomas, who represents the Panama City Beach area, had fired off e-mails also protesting the new name, apparently over the “Panama City” portion.


Oberst and Russell, also members of the TDC, did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. Thomas attended the meeting but declined to comment when asked by board members.


TDC Executive Director Dan Rowe told members the TDC funded an Internet survey showing that Northwest Florida International Airport was the top choice by out-of-state participants in the study, the results of which have been shared with Airport Authority members.


The next choice had been Emerald Coast International Airport, Rowe said.


TDC member Yonnie Patronis said it was important to show the airport belonged to all communities in the region, while member Gary Walsingham said he hoped the new name would not cause any “hostility” among the various communities who will use the facility.

 

[DCFinSCB]

Ebro International taken yet?

 

[Smiling JOe]

I almost spewed coffee, DCFinSCB!!! That there is funny, and true!

Commissioner Jones (the girl) led the Board of County Commissioners' opening prayer last night and specifically mentioned Southwest Airlines, something like, "and let's pray that SouthWest Airlines lands where it will." I was rather shocked and surprised.

 

[Topsail Transplant]

I agree it will be interesting to see what names they come up with. :roll:

 

[Just Curious]

I almost spewed coffee, DCFinSCB!!! That there is funny, and true!

Commissioner Jones (the girl) led the Board of County Commissioners' opening prayer last night and specifically mentioned Southwest Airlines, something like, "and let's pray that SouthWest Airlines lands where it will." I was rather shocked and surprised.

I think she said, "Let it land where You (God) wants it."

 

[Topsail Transplant]

I bet if you put a poll for the five names being kicked around it would be 85% plus for Emerald Coast International Airport. :shock: Hey Kurt what do ya think about putting one on this thread ?? Im sure you don't have anythink better to do.

 

[Matt J]

Looks like someone already bought the new name being kicked around.

Northwestfloridainternationalairport.com - Northwest Florida International Airport

 

[beachmouse]

Cybersquatters moved in quickly there, eh?

 

[beachmouse]

And Pensacola wins the warm up round of Airport Wars:

United bringing new air service to Pensacola | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Per WEAR, Bay County was also lobbying for that service.

 

[DuneLaker]

Ebro International taken yet?

Biggest smile of the day. Thanks.