GALA event celebrating women in aviation scheduled for March 13

The first GALA celebration was held in 2022 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the groundbreaking all-women airshow at Peter O. Knight Airport in 1947. Among the pilots who flew that day was Betty Skelton, famously known as the "First Lady of Firsts." A Florida native, Skelton earned her nickname through a series of trailblazing achievements, becoming the first female aerobatic champion, driving a jet-powered car to 300 mph, and undergoing the same training and physical testing as NASA's Mercury 7 astronauts, earning her the title "No. 7½." Skelton set 17 aviation and automotive records, paving the way for women in aviation, sports, and business. The GALA scholarships are named in her honor.

The 2026 GALA celebration will take place under the stars from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the airport ramp, offering stunning views of the downtown Tampa skyline. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.galatampabay.com.