The board of directors of the Witham Airport Action Majority decided it would rather spend money on an outreach effort to "inform the public of the importance of a feasibility study." WAAM has aggressively pushed county commissioners to conduct the "impartial study" into moving Witham Field to a less populated area of the county.

"We feel our money and energy is better spent this way," WAAM president John Whitescarver said.

WAAM along with the Sewall's Point-based Concerned Citizens Coalition and residents Lynne Pine and John Ziegler filed the suit against Martin County in October. Whitescarver stressed that Monday's decision will not end the suit, saying Ziegler has not decided whether he will drop out.

Ziegler was out of town Monday and could not be reached for comment. WAAM members expect his decision next week. The coalition and Pine will follow WAAM in withdrawing from the suit to concentrate on the information campaign.

Whitescarver estimates the lawsuit challenging the master plan would have cost between $50,000 and $100,000 to pursue.

The airport's master plan has several components, including an "airport layout plan," which shows physical improvements such as taxiways, lighting and radar. It also has a forecast of aviation activity. The suit alleges the master plan violates several provisions of the county's strict growth-management plan.

"We feel the commission has been so unresponsive to any kind of compromise or mediation," Pine said. "I'd rather spend my money on education rather than a lawsuit that could drag on for years and cost thousands of dollars."

County commissioners have consistently opposed the idea of moving the airport or conducting a study, saying they'd rather concentrate on efforts to reduce the noise and make Witham Field more "community friendly" at its current location near Dixie Highway and Monterey Road.

WAAM's information campaign will promote members' views through radio and newspaper advertisements, billboards and a 24-hour hot line to respond to questions.