Opened in January 1942, the airport was built as a training ground for Army Air Corps fighter pilots, specifically the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT) tactical combat simulation school which was headquartered at the Orlando Army Air Base. The military presence at the airport ended on October 31, 1944, and, in 1947, the airport was deeded to the city, which has run it ever since. Additionally, there was an infirmary for the 10th Fighter Squadron of the Army Air Corps from 1942-1943.

This airport has a long history of skydiving, possibly the longest continuous history of skydiving at any U.S. airport. Skydive City, Inc., founded in 1990, operates a skydiving center, or drop zone, on the southeast side of the airport. The predecessor drop zone was Phoenix Parachute Center, operated by George Kabeller, just north of the current drop zone. Prior to that, a drop zone was operated on the southwest side of the airport.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zephyrhills_Municipal_Airport#:~:text=Opened%20in%20January%201942%2C%20the,at%20Orlando%20Army%20Air%20Base.