Spruce Creek Journal - News about Spruce Creek Fly-In

7FL6 (Spruce Creek) AWOS now Live !

2010-07-16T22:33:00.008-04:00

SPRUCE CREEK - The Official Spruce Creek Fly-In Automatic Weather Observation Station (AWOS) is now live and reachable anytime from any computer. Click on: 7FL6 (Spruce Creek) AWOS

Radio Access: 121.725 Mhz (continuous operation)

Phone Access: Complete Airport weather, call (617) 262-3825 enter 7356 for 7FL6 (Spruce Creek)

PARIS System: 122.750 Mhz (3 clicks) still operational

Clearances: Daytona Beach Approach (386) 226 -3932

Tribute to Spruce Creekers Gone West

2009-01-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

It is said that when a Spruce Creeker passes on, going to heaven is a lateral move. Feel free to post your notes about loved Creekers that have gone west.

Spruce Creek Talent Show

2010-02-01T10:47:00.004-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The 2010 Annual "Spruce Creek's Got Talent" was held this weekend at the Spruce Creek Country Club. Due to popular demand the show was extended an additional day for a repeat performance.

Talented performers - all residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In showcased their show business skills including Singing, Dancing, Piano, guitar and much more for a festive evening that included a delicious dinner prepared by the Club's chef.

Father "Guido Sarducci" from the Vatican (AKA long time resident Les Lowman) was the Master of Ceremony. Elvis (Dr. Mark Muller) made an appearance with his electric guitar and renditions of his greatest hits. 9-yr-old Nicole Bravo performed a flawless "Victor's Piano Solo" by Danny Elfman, the movie theme of The Corpse Bride to unanimous applause.

The Spruce Creek "Creekettes" dancing ensemble performed several Vaudeville routines and humorous skits by the Crazy Eights, Billy Bob and others added fun and laughter long into the night.

Photos by Carlos Bravo, Spruce Creek Journal

Balloon Fest 2010 Held at New Smyrna Beach Airport

2010-05-24T22:08:00.006-04:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The second annual Balloon Fest was held this weekend at New Smyrna Beach Airport (KEVB), a few miles due south east of Spruce Creek (7FL6).

Admission was free to the public and almost twenty thousand people were in attendance. The fest started last year as a one-day event that drew roughly 10,000 people.

This year's event, extended to three days, and featured 25 hot-air balloons, helicopters, airplanes and live music. Attendees were able to experience serene flights in a balloon at the hands of experienced balloonists from the area.

The Spruce Creek Gaggle made an appearance as well as the Mavericks precision formation flying team, all residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In. Tim Plunkett's Red Baron, a Fokker Dr. 1 Triplane replica was the star of the static display, which included a number of civilian and military aircraft.

Originally planned for January 8-10, the event had to be cancelled due to record-breaking cold temperatures and it was postponed to this last weekend, May 21-23.The wait was rewarded with clear skies and balmy temperatures.

See Images:

Photos by Carlos Bravo, Spruce Creek Journal

The free event was sponsored by The New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, Friends Of New Smyrna Beach Airport Inc, American Aero, Epic Aviation, Timeless Wings & Wheels Military Museum, Venetian Bay Town and Country Club, More information on future Balloon Fest events at http://seasideballoonfest.com/

Spruce Creek Kids Stars of Peter Pan Theatrical Play

2010-05-28T14:11:00.008-04:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - Yes, the Darling family, at the heart of J. M. Barrie's imperishable "Peter Pan," is back. And once more, the little boy who wouldn't grow up is diverting those who haven't yet grown up (and their parents), this time at the Theater at Cypress Creek Elementary School.

The famous theatrical play of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie was performed by the students of Cypress Creek Elementary School in Port Orange. The ensemble included a large number of Spruce Creek Fly-In kids attending the popular school.

The medium for telling the tale 101 years after its first appearance onstage is this production starring 9-year-old Nicole Bravo, who played the role of Peter Pan.

The story, for those who have not seen some version, is of the playful spirit who is Pan (Nicole Bravo). He comes visiting the children of the Darling household from the mystical place called Neverland. After Pan loses his shadow (Meryl Liu), Wendy Darling (Chloe Arlow) helps him get it back and Pan ends up bringing all three children flying with him back to his Neverland. Neverland is comprised of smaller regions, one with Indians, one with pirates, one with the foundling Lost Boys.

Pan is in a constant war with Captain Hook (Zachary Fedea). He fights Hook while trying to play father to the Lost Boys who need a mother. Pan wants Wendy to be a mother to the lost boys. Tink (Marta Zerukha), though incompatible with Peter, is jealous of female competition for Peter's attentions. This Tinkerbell played a delightfully sweet role despite the writer's original intentions of a mischieving fairy.

But despite the famous resurrection of the moribund Tinker Bell, the perils of the lagoon in Neverland, the conflicts between Lost Boys and Indians, the menace of poisons and crocodiles, and the vigorous dances of Tiger Lily (Nikki Nguyen) and the Indians, the show grips the audience when Zachary Fedea as the comically villainous Captain Hook appears, assisted by his sidekick, Mr. Smee (Hallie Williams).

The show culminates with one last encounter with his archenemy Peter pan. Pan has his final bout with Hook in a sword fight which he deftly wins to the cheers of the Lost boys, Indians and the Darling children.

This is a feast for the eyes and these kids have made an unforgettable performance.

The shows were held May 27th and 28th at the Cypress Creek Elementary School's Auditorium. The producers were teachers Kimberly Krivich and Julia West. The cast included students from Mrs. West's First Grade Class and Ms. Krivich's Fourth Grade Class.

Nicole Bravo, the daughter of Carlos and Patricia Bravo, is an accomplished pianist and straight-A student and this is her first theatrical performance. The Bravos operate Karlhaus Realty based at the Spruce Creek Fly-In. Karlhaus is an exclusive worldwide real estate consultancy boutique that markets Spruce Creek Real Estate.

See Images:
Photos © Spruce Creek Journal

About Cypress Creek Elementary School...

Headed by Principal David Butler, Cypress Creek Elementary School is located on Williamson Boulevard just east of the Spruce Creek Fly-In. This Volusia County school is the newest in the network and enjoys modern facilities and sports grounds, including a media room and library, auditorium, cafeteria and modern classrooms with the latest in electronic communications.

Computers available throughout are connected to the school's network and allow the students use of state-of-the-art technologies in their learning. The school's famous music department has an ensemble (The Otters) that performs a dynamic percussion show at various events for the local community. The Curriculum covers Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. Cypress Creek is among the few public elementary schools in Florida to receive a distinguished GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10.

Soldiers Coming Home

2010-05-20T08:13:00.003-04:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - Many of our residents are currently serving or have served in the armed forces, what we often don't realize is their their families and loved ones also "serve" and sacrifice. It's not about politics but about sacrifice for others. These young men and women are the best of their generation and ask for nothing in return.

Karlhaus Realty sells Mike Skinner's Spruce Creek Fly-In Estate

2010-05-06T14:00:00.005-04:00

The Skinners Will Continue Strong Ties to Local Community

Spruce Creek, FL - The Spruce Creek Fly-In mansion of famous NASCAR driver, Mike Skinner has been sold this Thursday May 6th. The 10,000 square-foot home is located directly on the Spruce Creek Golf Course and features front row views of the fairways.

One of the salient features of the home was Skinner's "Man Cave", a separate two-story building that houses a custom hand-carved bar billiard room, sitting areas and a $300,000 private theatre that features surround sound and live motion seats complete with popcorn machine and decorations of a 1950's era luxury theatre. The custom residence also features a wine cellar room with bar and a heated pool and spa complete with custom rock waterfall, 4-car garage and other amenities.

The residential compound was originally listed for $2,275,000. Carlos Bravo, CEO of Karlhaus Realty at Spruce Creek represented the Buyer and negotiated the sale. "With the advent of internet technologies, today's high-end buyers are more sophisticated than ever , come well informed about values and benefits and deservedly demand professional expertise at levels never seen before in this business", Bravo said.

Bravo, also a pilot and long time resident of the Spruce Creek Fly-in, added that "Spruce Creek is the most sought after residential airpark community in the world and offers a unique mixture of exclusivity, security and amenities not matched anywhere".

Bravo is a serial technology entrepreneur and former Management Consultant and Fortune 500 Senior Executive with a long track record in negotiating multimillion dollar complex merger transactions. His previous internet company grew to 1,300 employees and went public in 1999.

Mike and Angie Skinner recently purchased a Mountain Estate in North Carolina but will continue to maintain their main residence as well several businesses and long term investments in the Port Orange/Daytona Beach area, including Mike Skinner Enterprises and Mike Skinner Properties. The Skinners are widely known for their philanthropic activities and actively participate in various local charities and fundraisers.

About the Spruce Creek Fly-In

The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community (7FL6) can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream. Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world's largest residential fly-in community. Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village. The first thing a visitor sees after driving through the security gates is a sign that summarizes the spirit of this community: “Caution children and adults at play”. It is often called a piece of pilot's heaven.

A championship golf course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complements the safety, privacy and enjoyment of its residents. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy. Current home prices vary from a $140,000 condo to several million-dollar hangar mansions.

Learn more about the Spruce Creek Fly-in at http://www.7fl6.com

Why We Fly...

2010-05-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

Fly above the rest with high-quality video in HD and experience aerial views of France from the pilot's seat.

Non pilots will now understand...

Daytona Beach Live Cam

2009-04-09T08:18:00.000-04:00

Watch real-time the beach conditions at Daytona Beach...

Spruce Creek featured in FLYING Magazine

2010-03-29T14:17:00.002-04:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The Spruce Creek Fly-In was featured in this month's issue of FLYING magazine in their special section: 2010 Fly-in Community Guide, sponsored in part by Spruce Creek's own Karlhaus Realty.

Karlhaus Special advertising sponsorship exposes their Spruce Creek Fly-In properties to FLYING Magazine's 1.3 million readers worldwide. The FLYING reader is active, affluent, and an adventurist by nature. "This is exactly the target audience for our properties, especially high-end Hangar Homes and Golf Course Homes", said Karlhaus CEO and Managing Broker, Carlos Bravo. The Karlhaus advertising program also includes exposure in the online FLYING Marketplace section.

About FLYING Magazine...

FLYING Magazine has been Aviation’s premier magazine for 82 years ever since its first issue in 1927. The Monthly magazine is written for and read by the pilots who actively use general aviation for both personal and business travel. Since its inception, FLYING has been the voice of aviation, read by current and would-be pilots who value the authoritative judgments and engaging first-hand experience of the most qualified editorial staff in aviation. It is the inspiration for people who are passionate about aviation and a valued resource for the segment of licensed pilots who actively fly.

FLYING readers are active passionate pilots who incorporate aviation into their personal and business lives. FLYING is read by over 72% of the pilots who have purposefully flown for personal and business reasons in the last 12 months.

FLYING reaches an affluent audience with 60% of pilots owning aircraft valued at over $1 million
and 70% of pilots owning aircraft valued at between $100,000 and 500,000.

Spruce Creek Journal Flying Tips: Crosswind Landings

2009-03-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

Spruce Creek Journal Flying Tips: Airport Runway Markings

2009-01-01T15:35:00.000-05:00

Cessna rises above recession

2010-04-25T12:23:00.003-04:00

Cessna reveals its new strategy after the recession and other woes forced it to change. CNN's Tom Foreman reports.

There are over 100 Cessna aircraft based at the Spruce Creek Fly-In, from a Cessna 120 to Citations, including 1SP, CJ1, CJ2, CJ3 and many more.

Spruce Creek Journal Flying Tips: Power Off Stalls

2009-12-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

WWII Veterans Day at Spruce Creek

2010-01-22T10:19:00.001-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - A fitting tribute to the WWII heroes of the Greatest Generation was celebrated at the Spruce Creek Fly-In yesterday. Hosted by the EAA Chapter 288 and long time Spruce Creek resident and benefactor, Conrad Yelvington in his new hangar, the event featured a static displays of WWII vehicles, memorabilia and three P-51 Mustangs fighters based at the Spruce Creek Airport.

A planned fly-by and missing man formation display had to be cancelled due to thunderstorms in close proximity. About 300 guests were in attendance to see and hear of the personal experiences of 22 surviving veterans of the war. These vets regaled the neighbors of this famous fly-in community with their first person accounts of their adventures in Europe during the war. Book signings and a dinner followed the exhibition.

"We owe so much to this group of heroes," proclaimed chapter president Keith Phillips, "These stories need to be told so that all of us can truly appreciate the costs of the freedoms we enjoy."

Here are some images of the event:

Photos by Carlos Bravo, Spruce Creek Journal

The Spruce Creek Fly-in is the World’s largest residential airpark. Located near Daytona Beach, Florida, its grounds and private airport (7FL6) are restricted to Residents and Invited Guests only. For more information about the Spruce Creek Fly-In, click here: Spruce Creek.

Spruce Creek Bonfire 2010

2010-01-24T09:46:00.000-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The annual Spruce Creek Fly-In Community Bonfire Event was held last night at "The Tree" in Windsock Park. The weather cooperated with a wonderful sunset, clear skies and cold enough temperatures fitting the occasion. Another record attendance caused parking shortages on the makeshift golf cart parking lot on Cessna Boulevard.

Volunteers served fried chicken homemade baked beans, potato chips, beer, wine and soda, available free courtesy of Community Relations Committee of the Spruce Creek Property Owners Association. In addition, there were several tables with desserts ranging from homemade cookies to brownies and cakes.

As in previous years, the bonfire was kicked off by a formation exhibition by members of the Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight Team which made several passes with trailing smoke for the enjoyment of the spectators. The Gaggle Flight Team is composed of residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-in which graciously donate their time and aircraft to complement many area events.

The bonfire at the center of the event brought warmth and a festive atmosphere. There was also a smaller bonfire where the children's roasted marshmallows.

Held every year, the Spruce Creek Bonfire is one of several loved and widely attended traditions organized by the residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-in. The Spruce Creek Fly-in is the World’s largest residential airpark. Located near Daytona Beach, Florida, its grounds and private airport (7FL6) are restricted to Residents and Invited Guests only. For more information about the Spruce Creek Fly-In, click here: Spruce Creek.

Here are some images of the event:

Source: Spruce Creek Journal

Spruce Creek Talent Show to be Held at the Country Club

2010-01-26T08:50:00.001-05:00

This Weekend January 30 and 31

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The 2010 Annual "Spruce Creek's Got Talent" will be held Saturday and Sunday starting this January 30th, 2010. Due to popular demand there were not enough seats to accommodate everyone so the organizers decided to plan an encore performance the next day.

The event will feature talented performers - all residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In. Performances include Singing, Dancing, Piano, guitar and much more for a festive evening at the Spruce Creek Country Club:

The featured Performers roster includes: the "One Voice" singing group. A ensemble consisting of 17 women and 2 pianists. Also featured:
"Creekettes" dancing
8 person singing skit
Nicole Bravo - Piano performance of The Corpse Bride by Danny Elfman.
Nancy Burton- pianist
Sam Wells and Troy Branning - singing and guitars
Susan Simpson and Helene Buell- piano skit
Todd Muller-electric guitar and singing
Ashton Hickox and company, dancing
Ken Doucette, guitar
Debbie Gamel & company, dancing

The schedule is as follows:

5:00-6:00 Cocktails and Hors d'ouvres
6:00-7:30 Dinner: Chicken Casserole with brandy cream sauce topped with puff pastry.
This dish was prepared by the Club's chef at the 4 star Regent Mayfair Hotel.
7:30 Talent show starts

Members and performers and their families can make reservations for dinner on either night. All others can make reservations for Sunday night or be on a waiting list for Saturday night.

The cost to members is $22 plus tax and gratuity. The cost to non-members is $27 plus tax and gratuity and must be paid when making their reservations by cash or check.

Make Reservations at the Spruce Creek Country Club

The place where Santa has Wings: Spruce Creek Fly-In

2009-12-12T21:10:00.003-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK TOY PARADE

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The world's only aircraft and vehicles Christmas parade was held this Saturday at the Spruce Creek Fly-In. Showcased on the grounds of this world famous residential airpark community, the Spruce Creek Toy Parade has grown from an annual event held by a few neighbors to today's festival with thousands of spectators.

Fly-In residents and neighbors and guests lined Cessna Boulevard and Windsock Park to observe and enjoy the unique event. The weather cooperated with fair skies and severe clear conditions for the much anticipated festivities.

Stretching for almost a mile, this year’s procession included a myriad of creative decorations participating in the parade. Virtually anything that can fly, walk, drive or float: airplanes, antique cars, golf carts, motorcycles, go-carts, bicycles, boats, pets and even wagons decorated by children.

The event was started promptly at 1:30 pm with a performance by the Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight Team with a mass take-off unique in the world. Once in the air, the airplanes lined up in several formations and paraded to the delight of the spectators in a veritable aerial ballet.

The Gaggle was followed by the Mavericks with a demonstration of precision formation flying maneuvers. The Mavericks team is led by former Navy pilot, Bob Gantt. Gantt is an accomplished writer with many successful books mixing fact and fiction drawing from his long experience as an aircraft carrier fighter pilot and later as Captain for Delta Airlines.

After the main parade, neighbors gathered around "The Tree", a beloved 150-yr-old Sand Live Oak in Windsock park, the traditional gathering place at the Fly-in. There was a large picnic together with hotdogs, refreshments, snow cones and other goodies provided free of charge to all attendees.

An event of this size couldn't occur without substantial planning and participation. The event is organized by the Spruce Creek Flying Club and a virtual army of volunteers.

Grand marshals of the parade were Ron and Evelyn Shapiro. Spruce Creek's own, Dr. John McCollister was the parade announcer. McCollister is a prolific writer with many books to his credit as well as a nationally recognized arbitrator and public speaker. The large number of volunteers and the flawless celebration that rivals the best productions of billion-dollar cities is a testament to the tightly knit community that makes Spruce Creek so special.

The parade was followed by a wine and Hors d'ouvres and treats hangar party sponsored by Kenny Garguilo and his Downwind Cafe, One of Spruce Creek's two restaurants and home of the best pizzas in the area.

The Spruce Creek Toy Parade is the only known airplane parade in the world other than the AOPA Convention parade and has gotten bigger and better every year. This year there was not one but two WWII Mustang P51 fighters. Jeff Michael did several fly by's in his beloved P51 "Obsession" and Conrad and Gary Yelvington's prized "E Pluribus Unum" was on the static display.

Even Santa Claus came early getting ready for his big night. He was spotted taking gift requests from the kids. Prizes were awarded for the best decorated examples in the various categories.

With very few exceptions, all aircraft and vehicles are owned by residents of the Spruce creek Fly-In. It is widely known that Spruce Creek has one of the largest pools of very experienced military, airline and civilian pilots that exists anywhere.

See the images of the 2009 Spruce Creek Toy Parade:

About Spruce Creek...

The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream II. Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world's largest residential fly-in community.

Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village. Truly a piece of pilot's heaven. A championship golf course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complements the safety, privacy and enjoyment of their residents. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy. Learn more about the Spruce Creek Fly-in.

Halloween Terror on the Streets of Spruce Creek

2009-11-01T20:51:00.003-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The night was dark, only a glimpse of the moon could be seen through the cloudy skies. It was quiet for the most part, that is, until various creatures decided it was time to go out for some fun.

Led by the Corpse Bride and Minnie Mouse, follow the Bravo family and friends as they cruise around Spruce Creek Fly-In on Halloween night. The traditional route along Spruce Creek Boulevard and many of the side streets with names as Roscoe Turner Trail, Sky Hawk Court, Cessna Boulevard, Doolittle Court, Mitchell Court, and King Air Court gave a hint that this is not your typical community. The aviation theme is al around. And the characters are anything but your typical suburban airplane-nut families.

Despite the current economic depression, there was plenty of candy for the kids and the festive spirits permeated the atmosphere. Nothing will stop Halloween in Spruce Creek.

Joining the golf cart caravan terrorizing the streets of Spruce Creek there were goblins, witches, wizards, walking dead, and even an awake airline pilot!

The Mummy on Slow Flight Drive this year had a partner in fright. Shorter but much scarier, they teamed up on unsuspecting candy prospectors in coordinated assaults and chased them around the neighborhood.

A final assault was made on The Downwind Cafe, where Kenny the Proprietor paid his dues, in candy, lest he be the next victim of the Corpse Bride and her partner.

See the Images as permanent testament of this 2009 Halloween Night.

Track IFR Flights Inbound/Outbound of Spruce Creek

2009-11-16T19:54:00.003-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The Spruce Creek Journal has implemented FlightWise's Flight Tracking functionality in its web site. By using the Spruce Creek Flight Track report, visitors can view real time the status of inbound and outbound IFR flights at Spruce Creek (7FL6) and Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB).

The Spruce Creek Flight Track report displays data from the FAA database, including Flight Number, Aircraft Type, Departure Airport, Weather Conditions, ETA and much more.

Example:

Spruce Creek Fall Carnival 2009 Held this Weekend

2009-11-01T21:01:00.001-05:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The 2009 Spruce Creek Fall Carnival was held this Saturday October 31 at Windsock Park (at "The Tree"). This year, the popular event coincided with Halloween for a veritable full day of children activities.

Organized by the Spruce Creek Children and Recreation Committee, this year's festival was chock full of activities for children of all ages.

Activities included Crafts, Face Painting, Balloon Art, Pumpkin Decoration, Ring Toss, Bounce Houses and Inflatable Obstacle Courses. The traditional hay ride was also there giving a tour around Cessna Boulevard. This year there were also horse and pony rides for the kids. All activities were free of charge and manned or funded by residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In.

Plenty of food was also provided free of charge and included hot dogs, soft drinks, snow cones, and of course, Halloween candy.

The Pie Contest booth included samplings of the best pies that Spruce Creek residents have to offer. There was also a wine tasting station sponsored by a local retailer and the always present Southeast Volusia Humane Society exhibit which brought several lovable dogs available for adoption.

In all, it was another great day at Spruce Creek for children and adults alike. Here are some images from the event:

About the Fall Carnival at Spruce Creek...

The Fall Carnival is one of the many children activities organized each year by the Spruce Creek Children's Recreation Committee. The Committee is managed by volunteer residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-in. The mission of the Committee is to provide safe, fun and healthy activities and opportunities for the children and families of the Spruce Creek Fly-in community.

Funding for the activities is provided by the residents of Spruce Creek and donations from local businesses. Other activities held throughout the year include the Annual Spruce Creek Easter Egg Hunt, Family Movie Night, Summer Bash, Breakfast with Santa as well as many other events organized in conjunction with the famous Spruce Creek festivals: Spruce Creek Wings and Wheels, the Annual Spruce Creek Bonfire, the Spruce Creek Toy Parade, and the Daytona Beach Hot Air Balloon Festival.

The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community (7FL6) can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream. Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world's largest residential fly-in community.

Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village.

The championship Spruce Creek Golf Course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complement the safety, privacy and enjoyment of the residents. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy. The first thing a visitor sees after driving through the security gates is a sign that summarizes the spirit of this community: “Caution children and adults at play”.

OSHKOSH Airventure 2007: Music Video Airman Style

2007-09-01T09:50:00.000-04:00

OSHKOSH Airventure 2008: Music Video Pilot's Style

2008-09-01T09:47:00.001-04:00

OSHKOSH Airventure 2009: A Passion for Flight

2009-10-16T09:42:00.001-04:00

Daytona Beach Hot Air Balloon Festival Lands at Spruce Creek

2009-08-13T16:30:00.005-04:00

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - They started before dawn to take advantage of the cooler air. The caravan assembled at State Road 44 and County Road 4118 started unfolding large colorful shapes in the dark.

Event organizer Mark Roberson sent two small weather balloons skyward to test wind direction. A black balloon fizzled and zigzagged to Earth, but a white one drifted mostly east, then slightly northeast. The test verdict: A good day for ballooning.

Then the noisy propane tanks lit up and the floppy shapes became gorgeous balloons with the flames at the bottom contrasting the sunrise skies and lighting up the vibrant colors of their designs.

The balloonists came from the local area and from places across Central Florida to hold the first Daytona Beach Hot Air balloon Festival. Soon the ground slipped away and the lucky ones drifted above the contour of the land, topping trees, skimming soggy sod fields, skirting roofs.

They went high to catch a north gust to stay on course and landed at the Spruce Creek Fly-In, where a group of residents and friends congregated. The airport closed to airplanes for half an hour during what airport manager Sal DeVincenzo said was "exciting" and "not a run-of-the-mill day."

Follow the group of balloons as they fly to the Spruce Creek Fly-In in this first-ever celebration.