D'Anne Mica
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Flight Brings New Opportunity for Travel, Business, and Learning

Sanford, Florida, Mayor takes inaugural flight to Gary, Indiana to begin new relationship between cities.

Gary, Ind., May 12, 2004 -- In a show of enthusiasm about the new service between Gary, Ind. and Sanford, Fla., the Mayor of Sanford is flying on Southeast Airlines inaugural flight from Orlando Sanford International Airport to Gary/Chicago International Airport to personally commemorate the new link between the cities Wednesday. The flight arrives at the Gary/Chicago International Airport at 4:50 p.m.

City of Sanford Mayor Brady Lessard said the flight is proof that Sanford is rapidly growing. "I'm so thrilled about all that is happening here in Sanford that I am going to personally tell the residents of south suburban Chicago all about it. The addition of this flight creates a link between our cities which will enable travel and commerce for all of us." Mayor Lessard is one of several officials taking part in inaugural festivities at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.

Lessard continued, "Our community is delighted to have this new route to the Midwest. Let me be the first to invite the residents of south suburban Chicago to come and visit our beautiful Florida town and all Central Florida has to offer."

With the advent of this new flight, southern suburban Chicago residents may take advantage of the most convenient and affordable access to the city of Sanford, FL and all that Central Florida has to offer. The flight which is currently scheduled 5 days weekly, will deliver travelers conveniently into the heart of the Central Florida region through the world-class Orlando Sanford International Airport and City of Sanford.

Sanford Airport Authority President and CEO, Larry Dale said, "Our airport is recognized as a significant gateway to the Orlando Metropolitan Area, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the world. We offer visitors access to the best of both worlds, the amenities of a destination such as Central Florida, nestled in the soothing package of the traditional community that is historic Sanford."

Upon arrival, travelers will find a place to relax and enjoy Florida the way it was meant to be. Sanford is situated on the shores of panoramic Lake Monroe and along the St. John's River which showcases the beautiful flora and fauna indigenous to Central Florida. Sanford is a rapidly growing waterfront community with a hometown atmosphere that sets it apart from other Central Florida cities.

May kicked off the grand opening of Sanford's 1.2 mile RiverWalk, a heavily landscaped pedestrian pathway featuring trellis swings, benches and other amenities for visitors to enjoy the views of Lake Monroe. Final stages of planning are also in progress for the riverfront shops, restaurants and traditional town homes that will line the RiverWalk.

Sanford City Manager, Al Grieshaber Jr., said, "Now that we are neighbors with the advent of this exciting new link between our cities, we warmly welcome visitors to our traditional Florida community. We have rolled out the red carpet, or in this case the RiverWalk to welcome visitors to our wonderful town."

Travelers can meet animal friends at the Central Florida Zoological Park or explore the rich history of Sanford at the Sanford Museum. To experience the arts, visitors can enjoy classic theatrical productions and more at the Helen Stairs Theatre for the Performing Arts. Outdoor enthusiasts can stroll along the brand new RiverWalk and fish on Lake Monroe or take sailing lessons. Or for a truly Florida experience, visitors can take a ride on an authentic airboat.

Sanford guests can explore the charming antique and art shops downtown. After a full day of enjoying the city, visitors often relax for dinner on the Rivership Romance and retire to a quaint Bed and Breakfast, In today's fast paced world, it is likely that the town's most enticing quality is the idyllic pace of life for both visitors and residents alike. From meandering down the charming brick streets downtown to eating homemade ice cream on one of the park benches, the most difficult part of a visitor's day will be deciding how to enjoy it. Sanford is truly reminiscent of the heydays of Florida, where the weather was tranquil and so was the life.

Sanford is a town with a sense of purpose and a real identity, with leadership committed to economic growth and revitalization concurrent to the harmonious preservation of its natural and historic resources.

For more information on Sanford, please visit:

City of Sanford: http://www.ci.sanford.fl.us/

Orlando Sanford International Airport: http://www.orlandosanfordairport.com/

Helen Stairs Theatre for the Performing Arts: http://www.helenstairstheater.com

Central Florida Zoological Park: http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/

Sanford RiverWalk: http://www.sanfordriverwalk.org/

Rivership Romance: http://www.rivershipromance.com/

Sanford Museum: http://www.museumsusa.org/data/museums/FL/88919.htm

Fun Maritime Academy: http://www.funma.com/index.html