Pilots and spectators got to enjoy one more day of flying excitement out at the Sun 'n Fun fly-in and airshow, which wrapped up Sunday in Lakeland.
Was it as packed as in years past, even after last year’s tornado touchdown?
Sun 'n Fun officials say yes – and in some cases record-breaking.
"I like just seeing all the people and all the different airplanes,” spectator Charlie Conn said. “It's exciting, and the thrill of watching the air show."
"I love bringing the grandkids out here,” visitor Patty Moschetto said. "They're having a blast. It's been really nice weather, too."
All of this year’s sunshine came in sharp contrast to last year's event, when a tornado touched down, causing damage to planes and the property.
But Sun 'n Fun officials said that did not deter this year's crowds.
"Our gate traffic for Friday alone was a record in the 38 years we've been putting on Sun 'n Fun," Sun 'n Fun president John Leenhouts said.
Organizers were still counting tickets Sunday afternoon, but Leenhouts said guest attendance is up – even by 15 percent on at least one of the days.
As for pilots, there had been talk of many boycotting the event because of the way the tornado situation was handled. Leenhouts admits fewer home-built plane pilots came this year. However, Sun 'n Fun saw an increase in general aviation and war-bird pilots.
"When we finally got it into the press that we were not taking any of those individuals to court over the fact that they had torn up the ground through EPA violations, they understood that we had done the right thing, so they all came back," Leenhouts said.
Leenhouts also said new storm-ready procedures were carried out this year when they had some brief inclement weather on Saturday. It's one of the changes they've made to keep the event a safe experience for guests.