The Official Word From Sun 'n Fun: All Safe, Property Damage Extensive

As of In Flight USA’s deadline on Friday, April 1, there were only minor injuries suffered by people on the ground, however, damage to aircraft and property was extensive following a severe weather system that ravaged the Lakeland area on Thursday, March 31.

The Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, took place Tuesday, March 29 through Sunday, April 3 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla. The region experienced severe weather on March 31 that caused significant damage to an estimated 50 exhibitor and privately-owned aircraft as well as a large number of tents and other temporary structures.  No major injuries were reported, although 15 people were The before (above) and after (below) shots of Zenith Aircraft’s display. The damage was extensive but fortunately no one was injured. (Zenith Aircraft Company)treated for injuries at Sun ‘n Fun’s on-site medical hospitality center. Seven of those were subsequently transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

A national media outlet erroneously reported that a major building containing 70 people collapsed on site. Sun ‘n Fun officials quickly sent out a news bulletin clarifying that was not the case.

Sun ‘n Fun officials suspended the balance of the scheduled afternoon and evening activities at 3 p.m. on March 31 to enable attendees and exhibitors to vacate the site in order to permit a safe and efficient clean-up of the grounds and prepare the campus for its scheduled 8 a.m. opening on Friday, April 1. This effort required an around-the-clock effort by Sun ‘n Fun’s corps of volunteers and professional support from City of Lakeland and Polk County emergency response personnel.

Friday morning, the event opened on schedule to blue skies. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels military jet demonstration team arrived and the U.S. Air Force’s high-tech front-line jet fighter aircraft, the F-22 Raptor, also made its return appearance Friday morning.  The Raptor made its public debut at the 2006 Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo.  Both were featured Sun ‘n Fun air show performers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 1- 3.