Fly away from election season for a moment and visit Witham Field. We need to address some recent controversy concerning this little Martin County gem. MCTA visited with Airport Director, Andrew McBean.
Mr. McBean proudly proclaimed that Witham Field is the largest economic engine in the County. It provides a $1.3 billion economic impact to the County. Indirectly and directly, 6,858 jobs are associated with it which generates payrolls of $362 million.
Way back in March of 1928 some local landowners facing an economic downturn in Florida, thought an airport might generate some action. So, they donated land to the County and it became Krueger Airfield. Not surprisingly, during WWII it was leased to the military for training. At the War’s conclusion, operations were returned to the County which accepted it under the new name of “MacArthur Field”. In 1943 the name changed again. It became Witham Field in honor of Homer Witham, a Stuart resident who had been killed in action during the war.
Around 1994, it became a self-sufficient “enterprise fund”. This means that it takes no money from taxpayers. It survives on fees from services and FAA and FDOT “grants”. The term “grant” doesn’t seem accurate because all airports contribute to the Airport and Airway Entitlement Trust Fund from which these “grants” are distributed. This puts it in a preferred situation when considering the proposed property tax legislation. The only worry they have is a possible depletion of the services which the County provides to them. In fact, the airport has operated in the black since it became an enterprise fund. During COVID it was more popular than ever because of the increase of people flying privately. The formerly bitterly contested Customs House has become the second-largest money maker for the Field, and this revenue steadily increases year over year. The Customs House installation has proven to have been a wise decision.
Surprisingly, there are only 9 employees at Witham versus some other airports of the same size such as Titusville-Cocoa with 17 full time employees. How do they do it? Director McBean sincerely shared credit with his team. They cover each other. The professional staff was even mowing the lawn during COVID! The experience, credentials and camaraderie the staff shares is exceptional and unusual.
McBean wants to share the airport experience. He has spoken to young adults who have lived in Martin County since birth who don’t know the airport exists! To this end he actively encourages the public to bring youth and civic organizations to the Field. He sees visiting the airport as a gateway to future flyers, pilots, aviation attorneys, accountants and many other professions which young people discover once exposed to Whitam Field. If you or your organization are interested in a Whitam Field trip call 772-320-3058.
Recently you may have seen some roadside signs warning of a 63-acre airport expansion. The airport is NOT expanding. It is simply re-purposing a total of 63 disconnected acres which have always been part of the airport.
You may also have heard that the Public Works Department has been kicked off the property. This is due to an FAA ruling which disallows any entity not associated with aeronautics from operating on airport grounds. This ruling actually benefited the County in 2 ways. It was the kick in the pants that the Board of County Commissioners needed to approve building a new Public Works facility which has been needed for 20 years. The mandate will also allow Whitam Field to lease those 15 acres to more small plane operators. The desperately needed hangers which will be installed to service local small plane pilots will now demand market value and add to the economic engine that is this little airport.
But no worries! The average resident won’t even notice. Whitam Field by law operates under a “voluntary curfew”. That means every pilot is asked NOT to use the airfield between the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am. Remarkably there is 96% compliance. Maybe they ask nicely! 🤷♀️
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