The airport was initially designed to complement plans to create a resort area south of Naples.

Immediately following completion in 1976, the airport was primarily used as a marketing tool to help sell Marco Island lots.

Developers would fly prospective Marco Island homeowners and investors over from Miami.

[3] The airport served as a secondary hub for Marco Island Airways until that airline ceased operations in June 1986.

The airport in 1965 was originally a temporary airstrip serving a way for the Deltona Corporation to bring potential home buyers to the island.

[4] In 1968 there would be a newer airport built on the island located near what is now San Marco Road.

This new airport included a 5000 ft runway and ramp space that could accommodate new private jets and Marco Island Airway's Martin 4040s.