Freedom Factory racetrack owner and YouTube influencer Cleetus McFarland has purchased an airstrip in Manatee County.
McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, announced the purchase of the Myakka Head private airstrip and about 45 acres of land in a YouTube video posted this week.
In addition to his social media presence, Mitchell has also become known for speaking out against new developments on farmland by Lakewood Ranch as well as the project owned by Carlos Beruff. East River Ranch near his racetrack in East Manatee County.
In case you missed it: YouTube star Cleetus McFarland worries about rapid development in East Manatee County
Also: County accepts Carlos Beruff’s proposal for up to 5,378 residential units in East Manatee
The private airstrip at Myakka Head was built by Marvin Taylor nearly 40 years ago, and Mitchell purchased the FAA-recognized airstrip and 45 acres of land from his children for $3.5 million. dollars in November, records show. He previously purchased a warehouse in Bradenton in April 2023 for $2.05 million.
“Aviation has always been a staple in my family,” Mitchell said in the announcement video. “For anyone who loves aviation, there is no better way to live than on the side of an airport runway.”
Mitchell announced an expanded name for the property, calling it Myakka Head, Bald Eagle Airfield. The runway is 3,400 feet long.
There are trees and power lines at the ends of the track, which Mitchell said he intends to “work on.” The property already includes sheds, but Mitchell said he plans to also build himself a new home and a custom shed on the property.
The announcement video features footage of a perfect landing from a 1945 QuickSilver P-51 flown by demonstration pilot Scott Yoak to show off the well-maintained grass runway. It also includes a one-off interview with a 24-year US NAVY veteran and former Vietnam POW called Brad, who owns a British Tiger Moth replica and a Van’s Aircraft RV-6A stored in a hangar now owned in Mitchell.
In his announcement video, Mitchell said he wanted to buy the airstrip when he first saw it.
“I had to spend almost every dollar I had to make this purchase, but I just couldn’t let this place go,” Mitchell said in the video. “When I got here, I had the same feeling as when I walked into Freedom Factory.”
This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: YouTube Influencer Cleetus McFarland Buys Florida Airstrip
