This mural was destroyed by Hurricane “Charley” on August 13, 2004. For the current status on the re-creation of this mural, please visit our web site at www.puntagordamurals.com.

This mural was sponsored by the Sprint/Florida International Air Show (FIAS), a regional annual charity event.  There were two panels on the east (runway) side of the Airport Authority office building.  The other, a smaller one, was on the walkway half-wall in front of the larger mural.

The small mural showed the first “airport” in Punta Gorda around 1934.  The grass strip paralleled US 41 (Tamiami Trail) at Monaco.  One of the earliest passenger planes to visit was the Ford Tri-Motor and local residents paid $5 a ride.

The larger mural showed modern day flight from Charlotte County Airport which was featured in the background.  The U.S. Army Air Corps built the training field in 1942.  After the war it was turned over to the county for general aviation.  Aircraft shown were several of the many performers and featured acts that helped make the FIAS one of the most notable air shows in America today.
 

Dedicated 1998