Visitors heavy as mass exodus begins

Tens of 1000’s of die-hard Blue Angels followers will storm Pensacola Beach at this time to observe the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team carry out over probably the most gorgeous vista on the Gulf Coast.

The Pensacola Beach Air Show is not for the faint of coronary heart, nonetheless. While you’re within the thick of it, the seaside feels as if it is at most capability. It is scorching, humid and you’ll barely transfer with out stumbling over another person’s flip-flops. However for many Pensacolians, there is no place they’d quite be.

Comply with alongside beneath for up-to-the-minute updates from the present.

Pensacola Seashore site visitors heavy as air present ends | 3 p.m.

Swimmers are within the water and the mass exodus has begun after the conclusion of the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Airshow.

Visitors is already heavy across the intersection of Fort Pickens Highway, Pensacola Seashore Boulevard and Through De Luna Drive.

On Through De Luna Drive, site visitors is backed as much as Ariola Drive, and on Fort Pickens Highway, heavy site visitors extends so far as the Vacation Inn Categorical, in keeping with on-line site visitors information.

Visitors leaving Santa Rosa Island over the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge is heavy however flowing easily.

Fats Albert pumps up the group earlier than the Blue Angels take to the skies | 2 p.m.

The second everybody has been ready for, Fats Albert will carry out for quarter-hour earlier than the Blue Angels spherical out the Pensacola Beach Air Show with a formidable 45-minute efficiency.

The Crimson Bull Air Power Workforce, with Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitzgerald, spherical out the civilian acts | 1:21 p.m.

The Crimson Bull Air Power Workforce with Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitzgerald are again with a full act, creating a visible spectacle like no different. The trio will carry out a joint aerial demonstration that can final 25 minutes, main into the Blue Angels efficiency.

The Crimson Bull Air Power Workforce has one mission: To push the boundaries of flight. The staff consists of Jon Devore, Miles Daisher, Luke Aikins, Amy Chmelecki, Andy Farrington, Jeff Provenzano, Sean MacCormac and Mike Swanson — all consultants who’ve collectively accomplished tens of 1000’s of profitable jumps. They’re probably the most achieved and skilled aviation squad round.

Patty Wagstaff, the primary lady to win the title of U.S. Nationwide Aerobatic champion, impresses the group | 1:05 p.m.

For air show veterans, Patty Wagstaff wants no introduction. She’s the primary lady to win the title of U.S. Nationwide Aerobatic champion and a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Workforce. Wagstaff grew up round planes, first taking the controls of her father’s DC-6 when she was 10 years previous.

She’s earned her Industrial, Instrument, Seaplane and Industrial Helicopter Scores. She is a flight and instrument teacher and is rated and certified to fly many airplanes, from World Struggle II fighters to jets. Wagstaff’s sister, Toni, can also be a pilot for United Airways.

Skip Stewart performs in his well-known crimson, white and black-checkered biplane, Prometheus | 12:55 p.m.

The electrifying Skip Stewart, generally known as probably the most entertaining air present pilots on the planet, is up subsequent. Stewart has logged greater than 10,000 flying hours over the course of his profession. His accomplishments embody profitable the 2013 Invoice Barber Award for Showmanship and the 2015 Artwork Faculty Award, and he is thought of probably the most entertaining air present pilots on the planet.

Stewart performs in a machine that began as a Pitts S-2S and has developed into a singular creation concocted within the thoughts of Stewart. The biplane is called Prometheus, and it seems to be like an previous American scorching rod that sprouted wings and flies.

The Redline Aerobatic Workforce, that includes father-son duo Ken and Austin Reider, are up | 12:45 p.m.

The Redline Aerobatic Workforce is following Carol Pilon within the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The staff options father-son duo Ken and Austin Reider, plus Adam Baker.

Ken, a former company and airline pilot, has been flying for greater than 35 years and has greater than 13,000 flying hours logged. It is all the time becoming to see Ken performing with the Blue Angels since they have been his inspiration for changing into a pilot.

Austin carried out his first solo in a glider when he was 14 years previous and in a powered plane when he was 16. He is spent greater than half of his flying time together with his dad.

Collectively, they fly within the Van’s RV-8, which is a two-seat, tandem aircraft. They’re able to flying as much as 230 mph and have a stall pace of 55 mph.

The fishing pier is the place to be | 12:40 p.m.

Whereas Maria Rivas chases the Blue Angels place to put, Pensacola Seashore has been a viewing favourite since she began visiting in 2016.

“That is one of the best; the attractive Pensacola seaside. It’s extra intimate,” Rivas mentioned. “It looks like they’re nearer to you.”

On a Pensacola Beach Air Show day, you’ll be able to normally discover Rivas on the fishing pier watching from above the group. She’s simple to identify, with a blue gown, matching Blue Angels baseball cap and blue and yellow bracelets.

“We’ve seen them just a few occasions on the shore, it’s higher up right here,” she mentioned.

Whereas she’s seen the present numerous occasions, the present by no means fails to amaze her.

“The Blue Angels – they’re the actual Prime Gun,” she mentioned.

Carol Pilon and Third Strike Wingwalking make their debut look the Pensacola Seashore Air Present | 12:30 p.m.

Carol Pilon and Third Strike Wingwalking are making their debut look on the Pensacola Beach Air Show, however they’re undoubtedly no strangers to the highlight.

Pilon has been knowledgeable wingwalker since 2000 and has quite a few spectacular accomplishments, reminiscent of being the primary and solely lady to stroll on a jet-propelled plane, the primary and solely Canadian wing walker and extra. The remainder of her staff contains wing walkers Joseph Bender and Kelly Garvin and pilots Stefan Trischuk and Melissa Burns.

The Veterans Flight Workforce takes to the skies subsequent | 12:15 p.m.

The Veterans Flight Workforce follows the presentation of colours on the Pensacola Beach Air Show. This staff is organized by Pensacola lawyer and pilot Roy Kinsey and options round a dozen Stearman pilots from everywhere in the Southeast are flying within the present to pay tribute to all WWII and Korean Struggle vets.

Since 2014, Veterans Flight pilots have volunteered their classic planes and their expertise for the annual occasion, taking veterans up one by one for an nearly hour-long journey over the shoreline.

Gulf cleared as civilian acts take flight | 12:12 p.m.

Whereas the temperature has risen to 88 levels, swimmers have been cleared from the Gulf as civilian acts within the Pensacola Beach Air Show take to the skies.

As 1000’s of spectators look on from the sand, parachutists are making their means down from helicopters overhead.

These trying to take a dip can have just a few hours to attend till they’re welcomed again into the water after the Blue Angels end their 2 p.m. efficiency.

Lifeguards are patrolling the shoreline, fast to blow a whistle at these going a little bit too deep previous a toe dip.

The Pensacola Seashore Air Present formally begins with the presentation of colours | 12 p.m.

The Blue Angels annual Pensacola Beach Air Show is formally underway.

The Pensacola Seashore Air Present kicked off with the presentation of colours by the Crimson Bull Workforce parachutists leaping from Aaron Fitzgerald’s helicopter over present middle. The Crimson Bull Air Power staff and Kevin Coleman will observe with a quick teaser of what is to return later within the present.

Having enjoyable and being a proud American | 11:40 a.m.

What’s higher than securing a slice of sand overlooking the Gulf earlier than the Blue Angels fly? Having a good friend that is prepared to get up in the course of the night time to assert it for you.

By the point Cesar Bonilla arrived for the Pensacola Beach Air Show at round 6 a.m. with the remainder of the crew, the controversy started on how early is simply too for a beer.

“Once we acquired right here at first we have been prefer it’s too early to start out ingesting at 6 a.m.,” he mentioned. “Positive sufficient, by the point my buddies acquired right here it was time to crack open that first beer.”

Whereas the time has flown by hanging out together with his group of mates, the weekend takes on a deeper that means for Bonilla.

“Actually what this week is about is a number of ardour, a number of love, a number of simply coronary heart for the group and simply appreciation for one another.”

“That is all it’s, you understand, having enjoyable, being a proud American and simply having fun with the weekend,” he continued.

Quietwater car parking zone is now full | 10:20 a.m.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Workplace reviews that the Quietwater car parking zone is now full.

The On line casino Seashore Car parking zone closed simply earlier than 7 a.m. as 1000’s of individuals crowded the seaside to see the Blue Angels.

Anybody coming to the seaside for the Pensacola Beach Air Show should park at different areas and stroll or take the Pensacola Seashore Trolley. The free trolley service is making stops on the parking heaps at Pensacola Seashore’s Park East and Park West parking heaps starting at 7:30 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Medical tent affords cool air and take care of beachgoers | 10:10 a.m.

Should you’re headed out the Pensacola Beach Air Show Friday or Saturday, one place you have to put in your radar is the on-site seaside medical tent.

The tan tent seems to be unassuming from the skin, however comprises 12 therapy beds, air-con and all the identical know-how that might be discovered on a standard ambulance.

Prior to now two days, EMS has handled below a dozen folks for causes starting from minor abrasions to jellyfish stings.

Should you want speedy help throughout Blue Angels weekend, EMS will come out to you wherever you’re out on the seaside by calling 911.

There are assets scattered throughout the seaside for prevention, together with a hydration station with free water from ECUA parked close to The Dock, and bottles of sunscreen accessible at Baptist Well being Care’s tent exterior the general public restrooms.

EMS advises hydrating earlier than you get thirsty to assist beat Saturday’s excessive temps.

Pensacola Seashore Air Present bazaar is open | 9:20 a.m.

The Blues Beachside Bazaar is open on the Pensacola Beach Air Show with quite a lot of refreshments and equipment for buy. The market is positioned at Present Heart close to the Gulfside Pavilion.

In your candy tooth, Blue Flamino affords quite a lot of freeze-dried sweet and Cookie Crumbl can have a number of of their signature cookies and a “particular discover that matches the Blue Angels Air Present completely.”

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Kona Ice  and Travelin’ Toms Espresso Truck will all supply chilly treats.

For extra hearty meals, Tin Tins Oriental Meals & Seafood, in addition to Cesar’s Concessions, shall be on web site.

Different distributors embody the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (gear and beer), Pensacola Seashore Chamber (signature Pensacola Seashore Seashore Ball Tumblers) The Crafted Makerie (Blue Angels jewellery), AHERO, Goonie Bedz, Sunchill, T-Cellular, GeoWhiz and On The Water Pictures.

Cooling station, free water at Pensacola Seashore Air Present | 9 a.m.

Blue Angels fans are already feeling the warmth as Friday’s gown rehearsal gears up.

The “looks like” temperature on Pensacola Seashore hit 95 levels earlier than 9 a.m. and Escambia County officers are reminding guests to the Pensacola Beach Air Show {that a} cooling tent and constructing is out there.

The Pensacola Seashore Chamber of Commerce have opened the Pensacola Seashore Guests Heart within the On line casino Seashore car parking zone as a cooling station. There may be additionally a cooling tent exterior with misting followers the place volunteers are giving freely free water.

“Having this helps to alleviate stress from our EMS medical tent to allow them to give attention to extra extreme medical emergencies,” Escambia County Emergency Coordinator Scottlin Williams mentioned previous to the present.

Warmth-related points are the most important subject emergency employees take care of throughout Crimson, White and Blues Week on the seaside.

“Should you even assume you’re starting to really feel the onset of a warmth associated sickness, please make your method to the cooling station,” Williams mentioned.

When do the Blue Angels fly? | 8:45 a.m.

Settle in for an extended day as a result of the Blue Angels won’t carry out till 2 p.m. Within the meantime, the group shall be entertained by quite a lot of civilian performances beginning at midday.

You will know the Blue Angels are about to carry out when the beloved Fats Albert buzzes the seaside.

Trolley service begins | 7:40 a.m.

The SRIA’s free, open-air trolleys have begun transporting folks this morning to On line casino Seashore, the bottom of at this time’s Pensacola Seashore Air Present. The SRIA this weekend prolonged trolley vary out to Park East, positioned a mile east of Portofino Resort. The prolonged route will run till 6 p.m. Afterward, it should resume its common route till midnight.

Submit air present, trolleys servicing Portofino Resort/Park East shall be staged on Through de Luna in entrance of Sideline’s Sports activities Bar and the Hampton Inn (dealing with east). Trolleys servicing Park West shall be staged on Fort Pickens Highway in entrance of the Surf & Sand Lodge and The Sandshaker (dealing with west).

Car parking zone fills earlier than 7 a.m. | 7:10 a.m.

The On line casino Seashore car parking zone at Pensacola Seashore is formally full, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Workplace introduced on Fb at 6:59 a.m.

The Blue Angels will take to the skies for the complete gown rehearsal of the Pensacola Seashore Air Present at 2 p.m.

Anybody coming to the seaside should park at different areas and stroll or take the Pensacola Seashore Trolley. The free trolley service is making stops on the parking heaps at Pensacola Seashore’s Park East and Park West parking heaps starting at 7:30 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Visitors is flowing easily onto Santa Rosa Island with no delays on the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge.

In the meantime, the climate forecast nonetheless calls for warm climate, with the temperature reaching 90 by 1 p.m. and the warmth index at 102 levels. Rain likelihood is decrease than forecast earlier this week, with a 22% likelihood of rain all through the day for Pensacola Seashore, in keeping with the Nationwide Climate Service.

This text initially appeared on Pensacola Information Journal: Pensacola Beach Air Show 2024 live: Parking, weather, schedule