It will still be open as an events center, whatever that means. I suppose the losses became too much for Kermit to absorb. Fantasy Of Flight To Close For Re-Invention - AVweb flash Article
Disappointing, but not surprising. I always thought that Kermit's vision of the place as an "aviation theme park" - with an admission price to match - was a bit outlandish. Maybe if the place was clearly visible from I-4, or if it was closer to US-192 and Disney, it might have succeeded. I also wonder how much support he has gotten from Polk County. I think he should just offer it as a static-display museum with an occasional flying day, at an admission price similar to other aviation museums in the U.S.
I think that you are right on, Jim. I was thinking of my last visit there 20 years ago and seeing the restoration facility with rack after rack of B-17 parts. Maybe he could earn some money with this stuff.
