The Lakeland Linder Airport (LAL) has undergone numerous changes since the early days of the fly-in in the 1970s. Most notably, Amazon constructed huge warehouses on the north side of the field (across from SNF operations on the south side) after 2020 and began cargo flight operations. Cargo flights have steadily increased over time—including the daily 4:30 a.m. campground wake-up call.
The Lakeland Airport Commission, in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation, has developed and begun implementing a massive expansion plan that involves the construction of a new parallel runway south of the current 10/28 runway. Necessarily, much of the acreage currently occupied by the SNF grounds will become part of the new runway and taxiways.
Many Sun ’n Fun aficionados have been horrified at this news. Enter Gene Conrad. He is the president and CEO of Sun ’n Fun. Even more importantly, his former job was airport manager at—yes—Lakeland Linder Airport. He knows all the facts, circumstances, and nuances surrounding the airport expansion plans. Gene has utilized all the economic advantages and goodwill that SNF brings to Florida and the Lakeland community to gain an influential seat at the table. As a result, the airport expansion plans have integrated new and vastly improved grounds for the Sun ’n Fun fly-in.
The projected SNF grounds will include a seaplane water runway, two massive air-conditioned vendor hangars to replace the current four smaller hangars, and expanded display and camping areas. To help people visualize these improvements, SNF created a flyover video depicting what the new grounds will look like. You can view this video here:
Conrad notes that these changes will take place over the next 8–10 years, with construction accomplished in stages coordinated with all future Sun ’n Fun events. In sum, Conrad promises these changes will not interfere with future fly-ins—and that the end result will be a spectacularly better venue for Sun ’n Fun.
I sure enjoy your articles Steve. Thanks so much.