PUNTA GORDA — Vanessa Oliver and Paul Andrews said their farewells Thursday to fellow Charlotte County Airport Authority members.
Oliver said during her four-year term, the board dealt with the impacts from a pandemic and four hurricanes on the Punta Gorda Airport.
She said the airport is an economic benefit to the region. Accomplishments include adding Sun Country Airlines, the opening of the air center, Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte, and the partnership with Charlotte County Public Schools for aviation training.
“The airport will play a central role in bringing people back downtown and helping the economy recover,” following Hurricane Milton, she said. “We’ve had an interesting ride over the last four years.”
Oliver said there were times of “strife and challenges,” but it’s because the members wanted what’s in the best interest of the airport.
“We are passionate,” she said. “And we want the airport to be successful. I’m so proud and pleased.”
Andrews said he became involved in the airport 12 years ago. He said he’s retiring and invited everyone to a beach on Antigua to celebrate.