Everglades City
by Dennis Vasey
Everglades Airpark (X01 to those in the know) holds a special place in the hearts of Everglades City folks. It’s more than just a landing strip; it’s a piece of our history, a gateway to the Everglades, and a reminder of how this little town has always been connected to the wild wonders around us.
Photos Provided by Dennis Vasey
The Collier Connection and a Presidential Visit
Back in the 1920s, Barron Collier, a big-shot businessman and all-around good guy, practically put Everglades City on the map when he set up shop here during the building of the Tamiami Trail. The Colliers didn’t stop there. In the 1940s, they built our very own Everglades Airpark, complete with a 1,000-foot paved runway and grassy areas on the sides.
Here’s a story for the history books: December 6, 1947. President Harry S. Truman came to Everglades City to officially dedicate Everglades National Park. And guess where he landed? You got it – right there at Everglades Airpark! Imagine the buzz around town! That day put Everglades City and our little airport on the national stage, showing the world just how special this place is.
From Colliers to the County (and a Few Years in Between)
The Collier family owned the airpark until 1968, when Collier County bought it for $125,000 – a pretty good deal, even back then! But here’s where things get a little…interesting. It wasn’t until 1993 that the county’s Airport Authority took over running the place. What happened in those 25 years? Some folks say the county was busy with other things; maybe they didn’t have the correct folks to run an airport or just let things be. Local gossip at the time suggested they were more focused on developing other areas. Whatever the reason, it was a while before things got organized correctly. By the early 90s, with tourism booming, especially folks coming to see the Everglades, it was clear we needed a better way to manage our airports. That’s when the Collier County Airport Authority was formed, taking charge of Everglades Airpark and the airports at Marco Island and Immokalee.
X01 Today: More Than Just a Landing Strip
Today, X01 is a public-use, non-towered airport. That means it’s used mainly by recreational pilots and folks flying in for eco-tours. For us here in Everglades City, though, it’s way more than that. It’s a symbol of our history, a link to the Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands, and a boost for our local businesses that cater to visitors. You might see small planes taking off for scenic flights, or pilots stopping in for a bite at one of our local restaurants. It’s a real hub of activity!
Keeping it Flying High
Of course, keeping the airpark running costs money, but it’s worth it. By attracting aviation enthusiasts and nature lovers, Everglades Airpark helps our local economy and reminds everyone how important it is to protect our environment.
A Living Legacy
Everglades Airpark is a testament to the Collier family’s vision and a vital part of Everglades City. From its beginnings to its role in that historic day back in ’47 with President Truman, X01 is more than just a place to land a plane; it’s a gateway to adventure, a guardian of our natural heritage, and a key part of what makes Everglades City unique. So next time you see a plane flying low over town, remember the story of X01, our little airport with a big story. Maybe even head out there and watch the planes come and go!
Dennis P. Vasey (1996-2004) Appointed as District 5 Collier County Airport Authority Member. Served as Authority Chairman, Treasurer and Budget Chairman, Secretary, and Facilities Chairman, planned and reorganized the Airport Authority to better serve Marco Island Executive Airport, Everglades City Airpark, and Immokalee Regional Airport.
