Florida Airport Receives Bomb Threat Over Planned Renaming

Palm Beach International Airport has received dozens of messages opposing a planned name change, including one that threatened to detonate explosives unless $30 million was paid. The messages began arriving after plans to rename the airport were announced in March. One comment referenced the president while making the bomb threat; it was not clear whether authorities investigated the message.

Other messages vowed to avoid the airport if the name change proceeds. One traveler wrote they would never again use the facility. Another stated they would make it their mission never to spend money there. Some comments referenced the removal of the president's name from the John F.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts last week. One submission called the renaming a "travesty" and suggested the Kennedy Center outcome should serve as a warning.

The airport will change its code from PBI to DJT when the new name takes effect July 9. The rebranding and related upgrades are expected to cost about $5.5 million. The airport said its core focus remains providing a safe, reliable and welcoming experience. Officials obtained the comments through a Florida Public Records Act request covering submissions from March through mid-May.