HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Snowbirds seeking to go south for the winter will soon have another warmer Florida destination to fly toward.

Huntington Tri-State Airport and Allegiant Air announced Tuesday a new nonstop connection between Huntington and Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Florida. Eric Fletcher, airports manager with Allegiant, said service starts Nov. 20.

Fletcher said flights will be $77 one-way. Flight schedules are still being developed, he said.

“This is something that has been in the works for the past couple of years,” Fletcher said. “We’re pretty excited we’ve been able to get our ducks in a row and make this happen.”

Fletcher said both Allegiant, a low-cost carrier, and Tri-State Airport have sought the addition for years but had to work out plane and crew availability and determine the best time of year to launch the new flight.

Both Fletcher and Jerry Brienza, Tri-State Airport director, said Fort Myers/Punta Gorda has been a destination highly demanded by travelers. Brienza said this addition helps keep Tri-State Airport the region’s airport of choice…