LAKELAND, Fla. — The second-largest airshow in the country is back for another year and is anticipated to drive more revenue into Florida’s economy.
In Lakeland, local businesses are preparing for the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo. Paul Loiacono, owner of Pals Candy Shop, started bringing nostalgic sweet treats to the city’s downtown a little over a year ago. Last April, he opened his doors just days before the kickoff of Sun ’n Fun. So this year, he says he’s even more prepared to welcome new customers.
“With an influx of people, I just want to have the candies that people like,” Loiacono said.
He said he’s expecting much more foot traffic this time around — mostly due to a new partnership between Citrus Connection and Sun ’n Fun. Shuttle services will run every 25 minutes during the six-day event, bringing visitors to popular spots across Lakeland, including downtown, Lakeside Village and the RP Funding Center.
Eric Crump, vice president of the Aerospace Center for Excellence, says the airshow generates more than $60 million for Central Florida. Last year’s event attracted about 210,000 visitors — the best turnout on record. Crump says ticket sales are already 25% higher, which is expected to boost the local economy even more.
“And it’s not just Lakeland because you’re talking about hotel rooms being sold out, all the way to Brandon to the west and Kissimmee to the east. Restaurants, servers, grocery stores. All of that,” Crump said.
As for Loiacono, he hopes the crowds come with a sweet tooth, or room for a little more joy.
“Because everybody is a kid at the candy store at Pals,” he said.
The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo starts Monday, April 14, and will run through the 19th. For information on shuttle hours and drop-off locations, visit Citrus Connection’s website.
