CALL TO ACTION: WAKULLA COUNTY AIRPORT, FLORIDA

August 28, 2022

On Monday September 19, 2022 Wakulla County Commissioners are expected to effectively close the Wakulla County airport by terminating the Airport license.

This will result in the loss of Wakulla’s only public use airport. Once it’s closed it’s lost forever, a loss to Florida and all pilots who enjoy flying to this Florida airfield near Panacea, FL with nearby Gulf fishing, boating, hiking, biking, bird watching, and a live “Gator cam” that reveals fascinating underwater life.

What we need you to do:

Express your support: Attend the upcoming Commissioner meeting, and email each Commissioner.

Here are talking points to use in your message , stated in your own words:

Wakulla Airport has been open since 1966;
The turf 2,590-feet airfield is only suitable for light aircraft. Heavy aircraft will not abuse this airfield;
Local airports are a significant economic driver in tourist and recreational areas –Recreational small aircraft aviation is a growing segment of General Aviation;
Recently the Commission invested over $2,500 for brush removal and the installation of a fire hydrant;
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) engages positively and cooperatively with authorities, communities, pilots and non-pilots, and other stakeholders in helping airfields thrive;
The RAF grants funds for local volunteers to make approved improvements;
Commission is encouraged to renew license and transfer liability and management of facility to Tarpine HOA, an established Domestic Profit Corporation, in good standing with the State of Florida;
Tarpine HOA has the leadership to assume responsibility.

Commission meeting:

5 pm, Monday, September 19, 2022
202 Ochlockonee St
Crawfordville, FL 32327

BoCC Chambers Location

Flying in to 2J0? Ground transportation to and from the meeting will be provided upon request.

EVERYONE is urged to take a moment to send an email of support to each Wakulla Commissioner:

Quincee Messersmith: qmessersmith@mywakulla.com

Mike Kemp: mkemp@mywakulla.com

Chuck Hess: chess@mywakulla.com

Randy Merritt: rmerritt@mywakulla.com

Ralph Thomas: rthomas@mywakulla.com

David Edwards, Administrator: dedwards@mywakulla.com

Posted in News

JOHN HODGSON

By Erin White • November 7, 2025

John was blessed to have two neighbors with 1000s of hours in Cessna 185s, and obtained his private pilot license with their encouragement in 2013. They introduced him to the magic of backcountry Idaho and the amazing capabilities of a 185. He purchased his own at the Big Creek Lodge in 2014. John was introduced to the RAF in 2018, at a fly-out to Seeley Lake around AOPA’s Missoula fly-in, and a few weeks later at RAF’s fly-in at Ryan Field. He is a firm believer in the RAF’s mission. Without RAF’s advocacy, he fears the steady loss of precious resources. John retired from the Coca-Cola system in 2017 after 25 years of service. His career prior to Coke included five years in operations consulting with Booz Allen & Hamilton, and three years with Hewlett Packard in Boise, Idaho – where his love of the west was born. When not flying, John enjoys tennis, photography and woodworking – a skill he is actively applying to a new house he and his wife Blythe are building in Longboat Key, FL. His border collie, Tot (pictured here perched on her RTIC cooler throne), isn’t a fan of how loud a 185 is, but thinks Johnson Creek’s airstrip is the most amazing place to chase a frisbee on the planet. jhodgson@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025

LIZ TOUCHSTONE

By Taylin Trafton • November 7, 2025

Liz grew up in Louisiana, but she has lived in Georgia with her husband, Mike, for the past 35 years. They have two grown sons, John and Will. Liz’s interests include reading, DIY projects, walking/hiking, hanging out with friends, and accompanying Mike on camping trips, fishing excursions, or flights in his Carbon Cub. She enjoys spending time at their lake house and especially at their home in Driggs, Idaho. Her favorite vacations usually involve a national park. ltouchstone@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025

ED COOPER

By Taylin Trafton • November 7, 2025

Ed wanted to fly as long as he could remember. Growing up as an “Air Force Brat,” his early life involved living on air bases, watching airplanes and living among Air Force pilots. His father flew P-47, P-38 and P-51 fighters in the South Pacific during the Second World War. Ed has enjoyed GA flying since getting his license to fly in 1977. He was exposed to and fell in love with backcountry flying only a few years ago. Among other airplanes, Ed has flown several types of backcountry planes. He currently flies a C182 King Katmai. Ed believes in the RAF and wants to do all he can to support the RAF Mission. ecooper@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025

George Weaver

By Taylin Trafton • November 7, 2025

Posted in Idaho Ambassador

PAUL KOSUBINSKY

By Taylin Trafton • November 4, 2025

Paul Kosubinsky’s logbook tells the story of his true love affair with flight – from the J-3 Cub to the Boeing 747. Though he’s flown many different airplanes, “My heart has always remained in the Cub,” he says. Paul has stepped up to take on the role of RAF Virginia Liaison and will team up…

CALL TO ACTION: WAKULLA COUNTY AIRPORT, FLORIDA

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