2005 Update !!

By a 3-2 vote, the Martin County Commission adopted the strategic goal of removing the golf course permanently from airport property. This would ensure that the Martin County Golf Course would never be subject to closure from airport expansion.

(For - Commissioner's DiTerlizzi, Heard and Valliere)
(Against - Commissioners Smith and Weberman)

Background
We have been asked about the relationship between the Golf Course and Airport. If the airport needs golf course property, the terms of the lease between the county and the golf course require the golf course to give up the property. Below you will find a letter from Mike Moon the FAA confirming the terms of the lease.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 8, 1997


File: mca97l.263


Mr. John W. Reynolds, Jr., Assistant Manager
Orlando Airports District Office
5950 Hazeltine National Drive, Suite 400
Orlando, Florida 32822-5024


Via Fax: 407-812-6978 - Original by US Mail


Re: Martin County Golf Course Encroachment into Runway 30 Object 
Free and Safety Areas.


Dear Mr. Reynolds:

I am in receipt of your August 8, 1997, letter concerning the above referenced item. Martin County Assistant County Attorney, Marian Fell, has reviewed the Lease by and between Martin County and Martin County Golf and Country Club, Inc., "Country Club", as well as all amendments to that lease. It is her opinion that the lease and specifically Paragraph 5.1.7 which states in part that, "The Country Club agrees that should the County and the Federal Aviation Administration jointly agree that any portion of the golf course is needed for airport purposes, that the portion of the golf course needed shall be released from the terms and conditions of this Lease..." is enforceable.

In view of this, please be assured that Martin County Airport/Witham Field will take all steps necessary to ensure reinstatement of the full safety and object free areas. As you are aware, this will require reconstruction of at least a portion of two holes at the golf course. We anticipate this action taking between 12 and 18 months. I will be discussing this matter further with representatives of the Country Club and will advise you of a proposed schedule when it becomes available.

Should you have any questions concerning this matter or should you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely,


Michael C. Moon, A.A.E.
Airport Director

mcm/

CC: Russ Blackburn, County Administrator
Randall H. Reid, Deputy County Administrator
Marian Fell, Assistant County Attorney

Link to Martin County Website
http://www.martin.fl.us/GOVT/depts/mca/corresp/1997/mca97l.263.html