FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW LAUNCHES “JET-SET & READ” PROGRAM FOR YOUNG READERS
Community reading initiative gives local children the opportunity to earn free admission to the 2026 Florida International Air Show
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Florida International Air Show, in partnership with Charlotte County Community Services and the Charlotte Community Foundation, is launching Jet-Set & Read, a new community reading initiative designed to inspire young readers through the
excitement of aviation.
Through the program’s “Earn Your Wings Reading Challenge,” school-aged children can explore aviation-related books and complete a reading challenge to earn free admission to the 2026 Florida International Air Show, taking place November 7 and 8 at Punta Gorda Airport.
Families are invited to attend one of three free Jet-Set & Read kickoff events at Charlotte County libraries:
Punta Gorda Charlotte Library
401 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
Saturday, September 5 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Mid-County Regional Library
2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Saturday, September 12 | 2–4 p.m.
Englewood Charlotte Library
3450 North Access Road, Englewood
Saturday, September 26 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Each event will feature family-friendly activities that encourage children to discover the wonders of flight, learn more about aviation and meet real-life pilots. Participants will also receive information about the reading challenge and how they can earn their wings.
Deelynn Bennett, Director of Education & STEM Programming for the Florida International Air
Show, is working closely with the participating organizations to coordinate the program and
bring the initiative to families throughout Charlotte County.
“Jet-Set & Read combines two things that can open an entire world of possibilities for children:
reading and aviation,” Bennett said. “We are excited to work alongside our community partners
to inspire curiosity, encourage learning and give young readers an unforgettable opportunity to
experience the Florida International Air Show.”
“Jet-Set & Read reflects our commitment to inspiring the next generation through education and
aviation,” said Denise Dull, President of the Florida International Air Show. “We are grateful to
our community partners for helping us create an engaging program that encourages children to
read, explore and dream big. We look forward to welcoming these young readers and their
families to the Air Show in November.”
The initiative is part of the Florida International Air Show’s ongoing commitment to aviation
education and creating meaningful STEM experiences for young people. By connecting literacy
with hands-on activities and real-world aviation experiences, Jet-Set & Read aims to help
children see how reading can fuel their imaginations and introduce them to exciting future
opportunities.
The 2026 Florida International Air Show will be held November 7 and 8 at Punta Gorda Airport.
This year’s event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable weekend of
aerial performances, interactive attractions and family-friendly entertainment.
For more information about Jet-Set & Read or the 2026 Florida International Air Show, visit
FloridaAirShow.com.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW
The Florida International Air Show is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting aviation
education and local charitable organizations while presenting an exciting, family-friendly
celebration of aviation. Held at Punta Gorda Airport, the annual event brings together worldclass
performers, interactive exhibits and educational opportunities that inspire the next
generation of aviation and STEM leaders.
