Deelynn Bennett, Director of Educationa and STEM Programs chats with Steve Lineberry, Media & Publicity Director about the "Jet, Seet, Read" Program

2026 FIAS Podcast Features Education and STEM Director Deelynn Bennett


Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/49q6I0sAWoc0vtOTwOQOya?si=hCwve-CXTEmP06zh-vyw6g
 
 
Episode highlights the Jet-Set & Read program, STEM Innovators Pavilion and opportunities inspiring Southwest Florida students.
 
 
 
“Jet, Set, Read! turns pages into possibilities! When children combine the power of reading with the excitement of aviation and STEM, they don’t just imagine the future—they prepare to soar into it.”
— Deelynn Bennett, Director of Education & STEM Programming
2026 Florida International Air Show
 
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The Florida International Air Show has released a new episode of the 2026 FIAS Podcast featuring Deelynn Bennett, FIAS Director of Education and STEM Programs. Hosted by Steve Lineberry, FIAS Media & Publicity Director, the episode explores how aviation, reading, hands-on learning and career education can help young people discover exciting possibilities for their futures.
During the podcast, Bennett discusses two major educational initiatives connected to the 2026 Florida International Air Show: the Jet-Set & Read program and the 2026 STEM Innovators Pavilion.
 
Jet-Set & Read Encourages Children to Earn Their Wings
Presented in partnership with the Charlotte Community Foundation, the Florida International Air Show and Charlotte County Community Services, Jet-Set & Read invites school-aged children and their families to discover the wonders of flight through free programs at Charlotte County libraries.
 
Participating children can join the “Earn Your Wings Reading Challenge,” search for books about aviation and complete the program to earn free admission tickets to the Florida International Air Show. Families attending the library events will also have opportunities to enjoy aviation-themed activities and meet real-life pilots.
 
The 2026 Jet-Set & Read schedule includes:
• Saturday, September 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Punta Gorda Charlotte Library
401 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
• Saturday, September 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Mid-County Regional Library
2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
• Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Englewood Charlotte Library
3450 North Access Road, Englewood
The program combines reading, family engagement and aviation to encourage students to learn while building excitement for the November air show.
 
STEM Innovators Pavilion Will Ignite Curiosity and Inspire Futures
Bennett also provides an inside look at the expanded 2026 STEM Innovators Pavilion, which will be featured at the Florida International Air Show on November 7 and 8 at Punta Gorda Airport.

• Designed for students, families and educators, the pavilion will offer hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities along with aviation-related experiences. Visitors will be able to explore interactive learning stations, flight-related demonstrations, simulators and other activities designed to make STEM subjects engaging and accessible.
• The pavilion will also introduce students to career pathways through connections with aviation, technology, engineering, education and workforce-development organizations.
• Live STEM demonstrations are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. until noon on both days of the air show.

 
Through these experiences, students can see how classroom learning connects to real-world careers and meet professionals who can help them better understand the education, training and skills required for future opportunities.
 
A Lifetime Dedicated to Education and Community Service
Originally from Indiana, Bennett is a graduate of Ball State University. She moved to Florida in 1983 and began her teaching career at Punta Gorda Middle School. She later earned a master’s degree in computer education and a specialist degree in administration and supervision.
 
Bennett served Charlotte County Public Schools for 41 years, including 23 years as an administrator. Her career concluded at Charlotte Technical College, where her passion for career and technical education grew through programs connecting students with meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom.
Her interest in aviation developed through her involvement in establishing the Aviation Maintenance Program at Charlotte Technical College. That experience demonstrated how career-focused education, encouragement and access to training can open new pathways for students.
 
Bennett continues to serve the Charlotte County community as Vice Chair of the Charlotte Community Foundation Board of Directors and co-chair of the Florida International Air Show Education Committee. She also serves part-time as Chief Operations Officer for Tradesman Place, a workforce-training initiative that helps students explore careers after high school while assisting local businesses in developing tomorrow’s workforce.
Outside her community work, Bennett enjoys traveling with her spouse and spending time with their eight grandchildren.
 
Listen to the Podcast
The August 24 episode of the 2026 FIAS Podcast offers listeners a closer look at the people and partnerships working to make education a central part of the Florida International Air Show’s community mission.
 
Listen to the FIAS Podcast at www.floridaairshow.com.
 
The 2026 Florida International Air Show will take place November 7–8, 2026, at Punta Gorda Airport. Additional information about performers, tickets, educational programs and event activities is available at www.floridaairshow.com.