William Potter Publishes Historical Book ‘Melbourne Orlando International Airport: A History from 1928 to 2022’
By Space Coast Daily // March 15, 2023
William Potter is the current Chair of the Melbourne Airport Authority, served as its legal counsel for more that 25 years
Related Story:BREVARD HISTORY: Melbourne Orlando International Airport Began as Air Mail Fueling Stop in 1928
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Brevard attorney William Potter, the current Chair of the Melbourne Airport Authority who served as its legal counsel for more that 25 years, has published the historical book, Melbourne Orlando International Airport: A History from 1928 to 2022.
In addition to the chapters authored by Potter, the book includes chapters authored by past airport Executive Directors Kenneth Allen and Richard Ennis, current Executive Director Greg Donovan, past Chair of the airport authority Jack Ryals, past airport authority member Ted Fuhrer and past Executive Director of the Florida Airports Council Bill Johnson.
Former Executive Director of the Florida Historical Society Nick Wynne wrote the forward.
The book is a history of the airport in Melbourne, Florida, currently known as Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
It begins with the establishment of the airport in a field west of town in 1928, continues through the Navy’s use of the airport as a fighter training base during World War II, and describes its development since the airport was returned to the city after the war.
Through the efforts of a long line of civic leaders and public officials, the aiport has become the center of a large concentration of aerospace and defense industries.
The book describes the challenges that the airport has faced as a result of its proximity to Orlando International Airport as well as the dramatic changes that have occurred within the airline industry.
It further relates how the airport has been influenced by activities at the nearby spaceport at Cape Canaveral. It also explores issues relating to the governance of the airport and, particularly, the relationship between the airport and the City of Melbourne.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport: A History from 1928 to 2022 is available on Amazon.com in paperback or in digital form HERE.
