The city of Naples, Florida, which has a population around 20,000, is on the western side of Collier County, population around 404,000. The eastern side of the county is predominantly free of development. It is mostly park or preserve.
This little city owns Naples Airport (KAPF).
In 2024, the FAA reported 120,265 operations at this landlocked location.
A recent survey of 1,421 Naples and Collier County voters informed survey sponsor, the Naples Airport Authority, there is both strong community support for the airport and its current location.
“This data-driven survey of community sentiment provides us with valuable insights to better assist the governing board in planning for the future,” said Chris Rozansky, Naples Airport Authority executive director.
But to get that “community sentiment” it took some education.
The polling firm, American Pulse, completed 1,017 of the 37-question surveys via telephone.
That is 1,017 one-on-one verbal conversations. Basically one in every 404 people in the county participated in this survey via telephone — which is an incredible investment.
As noted on slide 11 in the polling firm’s presentation, “favorability grows with awareness of key facts.” Funny how that works.
“Rozansky noted that the survey also showed that many residents remain unfamiliar with the airport’s funding model and its lack of control of flight routes. Most were not aware that the airport receives no local tax dollars, generating its revenue from airport operations. Additionally, many respondents were unaware that the FAA — and not the airport — oversees flight routes.”
“The community survey found that 82.9% of residents viewed the airport as being important to the community, while only 15.7% consider it not important.”
82.9% is an overwhelming percentage — no doubt improved when time is taken to communicate facts.
As a user of your airport, how prepared are you to have a fact-based conversation with someone about your airport’s impact on the community?
Can you answer your airport’s local economic impact? Or specific contributions to the community?
As for me? I have some homework to do.
Airline I flew for serviced Naples from ATL years ago. I recall after take off at 1000’ we had to reduce power for noise abatement there. We were always weight limited for takeoff due to the shorter runways although the airline had other aircraft better suited for the shorter runways there. Back then there apparently was noise complaints that the locals were concerned about.