Giving Thanks: Reflections from Above

Written By Blue Skies Tailwheel

Owners Gareth & Joy Williams with Gracie

When you spend your days flying over Southwest Florida, “gratitude” takes on a whole new meaning.

From Gracie’s open cockpit, we see our beautiful corner of Southwest Florida spread out beneath us—sparkling water, winding rivers, little dots of boats and beaches. It’s impossible not to feel that we’re looking at more than just scenery; we’re looking at God’s handiwork. But the real gift isn’t the view. It’s the people who share it with us.

This Thanksgiving, we wanted to pause, step back from the busy season, and say a heartfelt thank You to God—and thank you to you—from above and from the ground.

Thankful for Our Guests… Who Have Become Friends and Cheerleaders

When we first launched Suncoast Biplanes, we prayed that this red-and-white biplane would be more than just a business—that it would be a way to bless people, create joy, and point, even in small ways, to the goodness of God.

We hoped people would enjoy the flights and check off a “bucket list” item. What we didn’t fully expect was how many of you would fall in love with Gracie—and how many of you would become part of our lives.

We’re thankful for:

  • The nervous first-time flyers who stepped out of the cockpit beaming and saying, “I’m part of the 100% who was scared but am SO glad I did it!”

  • The couples who chose a flight in Gracie to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and “just because” days.

  • The families who brought visiting relatives and said, “We wanted you to experience our Florida from the air.”

  • The guests who’ve come back a second time—and brought friends and family along for the ride.

Your laughter on the tarmac, your stories about why you chose to fly with us, your kind reviews and word-of-mouth referrals… those are some of the ways God has provided for this dream and kept Gracie in the sky.

You’re not just passengers. You’ve become friends, cheerleaders, and, in many ways, part of the Suncoast Biplanes story. For that, we thank God—and we thank you.

Thankful for Our Family and Friends

Friends and family who have supported and prayed for us

Behind every smooth takeoff and happy landing is a family that has chosen to build something together and trust God with the journey.

We’re deeply thankful for:

  • The loved ones who have believed in this dream from the very beginning.

  • The family and friends who help in a hundred unseen ways—praying for safety, helping guests feel welcome, and stepping in when the days are long and the schedule is full.

Suncoast Biplanes isn’t just a business; it’s a calling and a family effort. We believe God opened the doors for this adventure, and we don’t take for granted the gift of working together, serving together, and sharing this experience with the people we love most.

Thankful for Our Community

Being recognized as Small Business of the Year by our community was an incredible honor. For us, it felt like a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness and the kindness of the people around us.

We are humbled by how our local community has embraced Gracie and welcomed Suncoast Biplanes into the fabric of life in Punta Gorda and Venice. It truly feels like God has planted us in a special place, surrounded by special people.

We’re thankful for:

That award doesn’t just belong to us—it belongs to every guest who chose to fly with us, every partner who recommended us, and every friend who said, “You’ve got to check out Gracie.”

Your support has helped a small, family-run business grow wings and thrive. We see God’s provision in that, and we don’t take it lightly.

Thankful for the View from Above

The beautiful Gulf Coast and barrier islands seen from Gracie

There’s something about flying low and slow in an open cockpit that naturally leads to reflection. Up there, with the wind in your face and the coastline stretching out in every direction, the noise of everyday life drops away.

In those quiet moments above Punta Gorda and Venice, it’s easy to remember what matters:

  • Time with the people you love

  • The beauty of where you live

  • The gift of simply being alive and present in the moment

  • The sense that all of this—every wave, every sunset, every shared smile—is a gift from a loving God

We are thankful that Gracie gives people space to breathe, celebrate, reconnect, and see their world—from Punta Gorda to Venice—from a fresh perspective. And in a small way, we pray each flight feels like a reminder that we are seen, loved, and surrounded by grace.

Looking Ahead with Grateful Hearts

Gracie ready to retire at the end of a beautiful day

As we head into the holiday season, our hearts are full.

To our guests: thank you for trusting us with your special moments. We thank God for every single one of you.

To our family and friends: thank you for standing beside us in every season and for praying us through the ups and downs.

To our community: thank you for cheering us on, supporting local businesses, and honoring us as Small Business of the Year. 

Whether you’ve already flown with us, plan to join us soon, or simply enjoy waving at Gracie from the ground, please know this:

We are truly thankful for you—and we thank God for the privilege of serving you.

If your holiday plans include making new memories—whether that’s a scenic flight or a gift card tucked into a stocking—we’ll be here on the tarmac, grateful for every story we get to share and every life we get to touch.

From all of us at Suncoast Biplanes, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, joy-filled, and blessed Thanksgiving.

Gareth & Joy Williams

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