Albert Whitted Airport once again makes its mark on the City of St. Petersburg. Our City, Our Airport premiered Tuesday night at The Palladium at SPC, drawing over 1,000 people across two screenings. Among those in attendance were seven of the eight City Council members, Mayor Ken Welch, and state officials including Representative Lindsay Cross and former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano.
Produced by Roundhouse Creative Studio and the devoted team behind Friends of Albert Whitted Airport, the film brings together 95 interviews and over two years of work, culminating in a heartwarming night for the community.
A Flight Through the Ages
If you thought you knew your coworkers and neighbors at the airport, this documentary revealed the stories you didn’t know. In just over 90 minutes, Our City, Our Airport took the audience from the origins of Albert Whitted Airport to its vision for the future.
The film celebrated the rich history and enduring spirit behind the businesses and people who make the airport thrive. Dedicated to Bill and Kay McMannis and Ruth Varn, the documentary acknowledged the champions who have stood by the airport as it faced and overcame challenges throughout the decades. Each story highlighted perseverance, ultimately inspiring the next generation.
Beyond the stories of resilience, the film also celebrated the airport’s dynamic setting. It delivered an appreciative nod to our waterfront, capturing the relationship between sea and sky in awe-striking imagery. After all, the runways are approached by way of sailboats and framed by the iconic St. Pete Pier.
Stories were narrated by familiar voices Ronald Methot and Bud Risser, along with historians Rui Farias and Will Michaels. Together, these voices, along with several others, wove decades of knowledge into the story of a place that continues to expand its reach. The film concluded by looking ahead to Albert Whitted Airport, imagining the possibilities of future air mobility.
As the credits rolled, host Walt Driggers appeared again, and premiere night felt like a community celebrating together. The room was filled with pilots, businesspeople, families, and historians, all that Albert Whitted Airport is made of. This documentary was made by us, for us, and for the world to see. Walt ended the night perfectly with these words: “St. Petersburg is a better place because of Albert Whitted Airport.”
Thank You for Your Support
While our third showing is sold out, we are working to organize additional dates. The film will be available to stream online in 2026.
October 31, 2025
Nisuka Williams