Aug 01 2008
Janus Park
Located on Bayshore Blvd between Brorein St and Platt St, this park commemorates the spot where Tony Janus landed the worlds first commerical air passenger service in Tampa. The flight originated in St. Pete, and flew across the bay in 23 minutes in a Benoist Flying Boat. The single passenger was St. Pete Mayor A. C. Phiel, who bid $700 to be the worlds first paying air passenger. There was no inflight meal, no drinks and no movie. Checking luggage was not allowed, and he was responsible for his own protective gear.
Makes me wonder why he was in such a hurry to get out of town……
Here is more information, and more here, and yet even more here.
(click on first picture for a larger 1200 x 900 image)
