Crystal Lake resident Scott Fryer presented a petition bearing 228 signatures opposing a proposed Crystal Lake seaplane base during the Keystone Heights Airport Authority’s Aug. 4 meeting.
“We’re concerned about safety, noise, quality of life and our ability to use our lake for recreation, as well as maintaining our monetary values and investment of time and effort in the place we call home,” said Fryer, a former airport authority board member.
Fryer said Crystal Lake covers about 329 acres, compared with about 5,900 at Lake Santa Fe. Residents do not oppose aviation, he said, but fear a commercial operation would add flights over time.
By the end of public comment, Fly Keystone owner Frank Fields announced the company was withdrawing its application. Fryer called the outcome a partial win.
“We’ll look at it as a temporary victory, but we don’t wish Fly Keystone not to be able to fulfill their dream,” he said.
