Pensacola Beach Air Show officials are hoping to round out a perfect weekend today with the final Blue Angels performance of the annual Red, White and Blues Week.
Friday's performance was flawless under unexpectedly blue skies. If the forecast holds out for today, civilian acts will begin at 11 a.m. with Fat Albert ushering in the Blue Angels at 2 p.m. Follow along today as we bring you news and entertainment from the show throughout the day.
The Saturday air show was much busier than Friday for Escambia County EMS.
In total, EMS responded to nine calls at the beach and transported nine patients to local hospitals.
One call included an unresponsive youth patient in the 800 block of Quietwater Beach Road who was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, according to Escambia County spokesperson Andie Gibson.
Lifeguards had an easier time and did not have to perform any water rescues.
One lane has been cleared after a car wreck closed down both northbound lanes of Bob Sikes Bridge right as crowds were leaving the beach.
An ambulance and fire truck struggled to get off the island until they were finally able to reach the bridge. Other cars were unable to pull over thanks to cars parked along the curbs of Pensacola Beach Boulevard.
Traffic leaving the island is backed up Via De Luna Drive all the way to Avenue 20 – about three miles from the foot of Bob Sikes Bridge.
As the Blue Angels show was cut short as a severe thunderstorm moved into the area, traffic has flooded north across the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge.
As cars were leaving, a wreck has occurred on the Gulf Breeze side of the Bob Sikes bridge, blocking both northbound lanes, according to traffic reports. Traffic webcams indicate all traffic leaving the island has come to a complete stop.
Law enforcement is responding from the Gulf Breeze side of the bridge and working to clear one lane of traffic. Officials warn drivers to expect heavy delays.
Blue Angels show ends early, lightning arrives ahead of severe thunderstorm warning |
The Blue Angels show is being called early as a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Gulf Breeze area just north of Pensacola Beach.
The thunderstorm was moving south and producing wind gusts of 60 mph and penny-size hail.
On Pensacola Beach lifeguard were notifying people of the danger of lightning.
A large thunderstorm is developing over Northeast Pensacola and Pace area, moving to the southeast.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for the storm as the storm could produce heavy rain, lightning, and wind gusts of 30 mph.
The warned area include Milton, Bagdad, and Navarre, but not Pensacola Beach. It appears the storm will pass to the east of Pensacola Beach. However, depending on how the lightning gets, it could impact the Blues performance.
Even with a light drizzle that put all flights on standby, Denzel Herron is having the time of his life after traveling from New Orleans to see the air show.
Since it was his first Blue Angels air show, he has been amazed by the pilots’ abilities to fly upside down and the skills required to execute each trick.
“The craziest thing about this show is the pilots flying upside down,” he said. “They did a crazy trick of combining with each other; looking like they were going to crash. That was crazy to see.”
Those watching from the fishing pier like Herron were able to receive extra special stunts, such as the planes flying directly over top of them at lightning speed.
“I would say, if it’s me (flying,) I would throw up 10 times,” he said.
“It’s just an amazing experience. You should come out, the weather is nice; I love it out here,” he said.
Herron said it’s inspiring to see, especially since he dreams of becoming a pilot one day.
“I want to be a pilot in the future so seeing things like this is amazing. I love it,” he said.
The water has been opened back up for a brief break before the show starts again. According to the schedule, the Red Bull Air Force team will perform with aerobatic pilot Kevin Coleman in his Extra 300 SHP plan.
The jump team won't perform Saturday, after a spectacular performance Friday, due to issues with the helo plane.
Check out the video below for a glimpse from Friday's performance.
Will Wilson is a longtime resident of Mary Esther following a job transfer and has been to 20 Blue Angels shows since 1995.
He grew up in the Midwest, forcing him to go without a beach and be without water for years. When he came down to Mary Esther, he quickly developed a fondness for being in and around water.
Will brought his daughter Yolanda along for the show this year, which will be her very first air show. Yolanda shared how excited she was not just for the planes, but also for sharing in a long tradition of her father's.
“I heard it’s going to be spectacular,” Yolanda says. “Worth coming out here and dealing with the heat for too.”
Though he was happy as usual for the event, Will did share one frustration that many spectators are experiencing… dealing with the intense heat.
According to Will, in prior years the elderly could sit under the pavilion and stay out of the heat. This year the space went to vendors, disappointing him that there were less shaded areas for for the elderly.
“I mean they’re paying, they’re sponsoring but it still feels unfair,” Will says.
Two cooling tents are available for visitors with mist, shade and free water. Organizers also opened up the Santa Rosa Island Authority building for visitors to cool down.
Regardless, Will remained excited to witness the show with his daughter and bask in the planes’ maneuvers.
Rain showers are beginning to fire up over the region as the chance of rain increases this afternoon.
A band of a small band of heavy rain showers was moving over Pensacola at 12:15 p.m. toward the southeast and could soon drift over the Pensacola Beach area.
Forecast gives Pensacola Beach a 60% chance of seeing rain this afternoon.
Crowds are continuing to gather on Pensacola Beach, and Escambia County EMS crews continue responding to medical calls at the beach.
So far on Saturday, there have been five medical calls, and four patients were transferred to local hospitals. Only one call was related to the heat.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards have not had to rescue anyone from the water before it closed to swimming at 11:45 a.m.
Traffic heading to the beach is now backed up into Gulf Breeze, beginning a slow down near Gulf Breeze Elementary School.
The water is going to be closed to swimmers after a short break between civilian and military planes. Visitors are encouraged to take a quick dip to cool off before settling in to see the military planes. Here's what you're about to see before the Blue Angels perform at 2 p.m.:
Red Bull Air Force team
The Red Bull Air Force team will take off first, performing a synchronized flag-carrying skydiving formation, landing at the show center next to the Pensacola Beach Pier. New to the air show this year, the Red Bull Air Force team is assembled from the most accomplished aviation experts on the planet who continually push the limits of human flight.
Veteran’s Flight team
The Veteran’s Flight team in their bright yellow, vintage World War II-era biplanes, will be making several passes over Casino Beach. Organized by Pensacola attorney and pilot Roy Kinsey, about a dozen Stearman pilots from all over the Southeast are flying in the show to pay tribute to all WWII and Korean War vets.
Bill Culberson with Fighterjets Inc.
Next in line, another new addition to this year’s air show is MiG-17F pilot Bill Culberson with Fighterjets Inc. Born the son of an Air Force fighter jet pilot who also joined the Air Force, Culberson has been in love with military aviation as long as he can remember. His classic 1950s-era MiG-17F can maintain 8g turns with a max speed of 715 mph.
Red Bull Air Force team (round two)
The Red Bull Air Force team will swing back around at 1:30 p.m. to create a visual spectacle with helicopter pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, aerobatic pilot Kevin Coleman in his Extra 300 SHP plane and the Red Bull Air Force jump team – the trio will perform a joint aerial demonstration that will last approximately 25 minutes.
If you’ve been on the beach since before the sun came up — lunch is overdue. With the temperature cranked up to 90, the Santa Rosa Island Authority’s free trolley can help you get from the beach to your favorite restaurant or hotel without walking the whole way.
Some of the stops to grab a quick bite to eat include Peg Leg Pete’s, The Grand Marlin, and Paradise Bar & Grill (located at Paradise Inn.)
Devin Boothe, who traveled to Pensacola Beach this morning from Mississippi, was able to use the trolley to get him to the beach even though the closest parking spot was four miles away.
The SRIA has “trolley stop” benches scattered throughout the island with signs posted on the different locations that they can take you. There are about 36 different options.
For a full list of arrival times and information for the stop you’re looking for, call the SRIA at 850-602-9384 or text the number at your designated stop.
For example, to check when the next ride is from the Santa Rosa Island Authority building just across the street from the beach, text SRIA 32 to 41411.
While you’re waiting, the SRIA building is unlocked, air conditioned and open to the public to help cool down.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa Island Authority announced at 11 a.m. that only residents and visitors to Fort Pickens would be allowed onto Fort Pickens road at Pensacola Beach.
Anyone coming onto the island will have to find parking now down Via De Lunda Drive.
Traffic coming onto the island has slowed down to a crawl, backing up to the Gulf Breeze side of the Bob Sikes Bridge.
Closing Fort Pickens Road closes the parking lot at Park West. Beach trolleys are still running to take people from Park East near the Portofino Resort to Casino Beach.
- Pilot Julian MacQueen flying his vintage 1943 Grumman Widgeon seaplane overhead
- Pilot Gene Valentino flying his ICON A5 Amphibious light sport plane.
- U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lt. Cmdr. Mark Currier, from the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, flying his HC-144 Ocean Sentry large turboprop aircraft.
- Training Squadron Ten (VT-10) from NAS Pensacola in a formation fly-by in their T-6 Texans aircraft.
- VeriJet, a private airline, will fly by in a three-ship formation of Cirrus SF-50 Vision Jets.
- Navy pilot Tanner Matheny will be flying over in his 1946 North American Navion airplane named Olivia.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration from the back of an HH-60J Blackhawk helicopter piloted by Lt. Travis Rhea.
Orange Beach, Alabama resident Alexandra Bissell isn’t just listening to the stories of her family’s military background, but she’s bringing that history back to life.
Bissell collects damaged military planes that are rich with war stories, either to restore them or to create keepsakes, such as dog tags, out of the battered odds and ends.
Her latest find was a 1990’s Blue Angel plane that was damaged mid-flight in a collision in El Centro, California. There were no casualties but the plane was no longer up to Blue Angel standards.
Now, her family plans to restore the cockpit as a static display.
Although Saturday will mark her first official time watching the Blue Angels, as she’s caught only a glimpse of them buzzing by Orange Beach, she has always had a piece of her heart in Pensacola.
Her father was born on Pensacola’s Naval Air Base while her grandfather was stationed there.
Her grandparents, Jane and Melvin Wilucki, met during World War II where she was serving as a flight logger, and he was serving as a flight surgeon.
“He would see if the pilots should be flying and test (them) under stressful situations. It was up to him to give the go ahead − ‘You’re fit to fly and go into combat,’” she said.
The military background also stretches into her husband’s family tree, which is why the fascination with planes bonded them as a couple.
She has been collecting bits and pieces of military aircraft for decades, and continues to look for new, interesting finds. Some of which are on display near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
Being at Saturday’s air show makes their most recent purchase even more special, as she gets to experience the Blues in flight with her daughter, Ava, and son, James.
“We’ve traveled all over the world, and we just really love this country and our military,” Bissell said.
The tradition of the Blues spans multiple generations. Two spectators for the show, Karen Holden and Michelle Kit, say their parents and grandparents were consistent spectators in the show, which left a lasting impact on them.
Holden left Pensacola once for a potential romance, but eventually returned because she couldn’t go without Pensacola Beach and the Blue Angels. Holden’s dad was on the maintenance crew of the Blue Angels during the 1970s.
“My parents started taking me out here around the early 2000’s, ever since it’s become a ritual,” Kit said. “I hope that my kids and grandkids will do the same thing.”
“Once you get sand in your shoes, you’ll always come back,” Kit added.
Considering how many flock to Pensacola Beach for this event, it’s no wonder what makes it so special for local residents to partake in it annually despite being able to enjoy the beach and to see the Blues practice any time they want.
For Kit, it’s about what the Blue Angels represent. “It’s like a big, local, special holiday,” she says. “It’s a combination of the Blues in our community and our beach into one event, two parts of Pensacola which are very unique to it.”
Traffic across the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge is beginning to slow down and back up over the bridge as of 9:40 a.m. Saturday, as parking is becoming harder to find on Santa Rosa Island.
Blue Angels schedule: Heading to the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show on Saturday? Here's the full schedule
Escambia County traffic webcams indicated a line of cars in both lanes over the bridge but still moving slowly through the beach toll booth.
Social media posts showed cars parking in all available spaces throughout Pensacola Beach, even on sidewalks and curbs.
Many privately owned lots are charging for parking, with some social media posts reporting prices of more than $100 for a parking spot.
Escambia County Emergency Medical Services have already responded to one call for medical assistance on Saturday, according to county spokesperson Andie Gibson.
Yesterday, EMS had six medical calls at the beach, with two people transferred to the hospital. Only one of those calls was heat-related. Other details about the medical calls cannot be released because of medical privacy laws.
The heat index is expected to reach 103 degrees today. Escambia firefighters are letting a fire hydrant spray near the public safety building for children to play and cool down.
"We just wanna let the kids have some fun in this heat," said firefighter David Carballosa.
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EMS and fire crews also responded to a car wreck in the 1600 block of Via de Luna Drive at 4:40 p.m. with injuries, but all patients refused transportation to a hospital.
Pensacola Beach lifeguards didn’t have to conduct any water rescues on Friday. Green flags are flying at the beach on Saturday with calm conditions in the water.
The Blue Angels’ reputation as a show of patriotism are a sure way to get local residents' families into town.
Emily Wyse, Sue Griffin and Tyler Loper, three Pensacola locals, have participated in the annual tradition for five consecutive years. “I love the food and music,” said Loper. “We have a great music scene here.”
The group said they made it in for the show around 4:30 a.m., and parking was already full. “Last year when we came around that time we got a parking spot, so this time we were surprised that there were none,” Griffin said.
Griffin is a former resident of New Orleans who moved to Pensacola eight years ago in pursuit of the city’s “slower lifestyle,” and had some knowledge coming in thanks to her mom being a local.
Wyse’s father brought them to Pensacola from Arkansas 23 years ago in search of investment opportunities in the area.
Both Griffin and Wyse shared that their favorite part of the city was its beach “by far,” and that it’s irreplaceable.
The trio of locals had a pair of out-of-town friends with them, who credited them with making them aware of the show and getting them to come watch in person.
“Oh the Blues are just, in general, the American pride, man,” said Chris Powell, one of the tourist members of the group.
The group has taken the same spot over the past five years and explained that it’s part of their tradition for Blue’s.
When the beach speakers are not blasting “Red Red Wine” or “Soak up the Sun” — updates on the day’s schedule can be heard echoing across the sand.
In the most recent beach broadcast about 8:30 a.m., spectators were told to start looking to the sky at 10:30 a.m. as the civilian planes begin flying overheard until the show officially kicks off at noon with military performances. Civilian performances include a U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue demonstration, as well as a variety of historic and unique planes.
At noon, expect to see the Red Bull Air Force, Veteran's Flight, Redline Aerobatic Team and more.
Then comes the moment everyone is waiting for at 2 p.m. — the Blue Angels take to the sky.
Even with concerns from the weather app warning of afternoon thunderstorms, so far, everything is running on schedule.
The heat is picking up, but the sky is blue and the flag is green. So nothing to be worried about just yet!
Retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel David Glassman is selling some of the most expensive water on Pensacola Beach, but for good reason.
All the proceeds for the requested $4 donation go toward combatting veteran suicide.
The non-profit America’s Heroes, of which Glassman served as vice president, starts by purchasing airline tickets, lodging and meals for the severely wounded, injured, and disabled veterans and first responders. But the assistance runs much deeper.
Beyond meeting the veterans’ physical needs, they connect them to other veterans through hunting and fishing trips that focus on improving mental health.
“We do it through relationships,” Glassman said. “Gradually, getting them around the campfire, they can start to peel back the layers.”
America’s Hero Volunteer Jeremy Clark said that veteran suicide has been talked about for decades, but the nonprofit acts on the problem.
“AHERO is about trying to move that needle,” Clark said. “AHERO is like a landing zone.”
The pricey water does come with perks, including various flavor burst add-ins, and the possibility of changing a veteran’s life.
Kona Ices’ snow cones have been a helpful treat in the face of the blazing heat. Yesterday the vendor experienced tons of traffic from both residents and tourists.
With temperatures expected to continue rising, Kona’s is excited for another day of service for Blues weekend.
“(Today) seems promising, it looks busy and we’re excited to be out here with everyone today,” Kylee Kresge, a server at Kona’s, said. “It’s been really cool to meet everybody.”
ECUA is providing free water out of its truck for those seeking water for their personal bottles.
The weather for Saturday’s Pensacola Beach Air Show is forecast to be much the same as it has been for the last few days.
The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, is forecasting a 60% chance of rain for Saturday, with the best chance for storms occurring after 1 p.m.
The forecast is almost identical to Friday’s forecast.
During Friday’s dress rehearsal, the rain held off long enough for the show to go off without a hitch. However, on Thursday, the Blue Angels practice show had to be cut short because of lightning moving into the area.
When the Blue Angels take to the skies on Saturday, temperatures are forecast to be 90 degrees with a heat index of 103 degrees and wind out of the west at 13 mph.
Pensacola Beach has filled up shortly before 7 a.m. and people are cracking open their beverages bright and early as the temperature rises. Medical officials recommend sticking to water and definitely staying away from beer in hot weather.
Food spots, apparel vendors and other public services tents are already up and running, with many venues having ice available for those who need it. First aid services will be provided by HCA Florida West Hospital behind the lifeguard building.
Should you need medical attention, the tent will assist you in reaching the EMS tent around the corner. Heat exhaustion and sun screen are some of the main points of emphasis for the HCA team when speaking with passersby.
The site will also serve as the contact point for parents and children who get separated, according to Margie Hobbs, EMS coordinator with HCA Florida West Hospital.
If you are still undecided about stopping by the Blue Angels air show on Saturday, there’s a good chance you’re not making it. At least not if you’re looking for a spot on the water with a direct view of the Gulf.
People like Becca Calloway were already seeing excited crowds pour in at 10 p.m. Saturday night in hopes of securing a prime viewing spot.
Calloway’s family and friends have been keeping the Blues beach camping tradition alive since they were young and continued for the past 10-15 years. This year though, it evident they weren’t the only ones with the idea to get there early.
“This year is a lot different,” Calloway said. “We almost ran down here with our tent and found this spot.”
The tent is essential in marking territory, according to Calloway, which is why it was the first to be unloaded out of the five or so trips back to the truck.
One misconception about beach camping camping is the sleeping, Calloway said, since everyone on the beach is required to be awake to stay on the beach overnight.
“The police come by and tell you you can’t sleep, they’ll come and wake you up,” Calloway said.
The long night of anticipation is all part of the experience though, which is why there are decks of cards brought along to pass the time.
Beer is the fifth on the list of Calloway’s essential supplies to pack, right after the tent, chairs, coolers and water. A wagon is also key for transport.
Despite the loads required to make the spot in the sand their own, seeing the Blues graze the water is reward enough.
“It’s worth it every time we do it,” Calloway said.
With the Casino Beach lot reaching capacity at 4:37 a.m., traffic flowing to the beach remains smooth along the entire route to the beach from downtown Pensacola.
Traffic is heavy around the intersection of Fort Pickens Road and Via De Luna Drive.
The Santa Rosa Island Authority also announced on its Facebook page that the Quietwater Beach parking lot was full at 5:46 a.m.
The Island Authority’s free trolley service that will transport people from other parking areas like Park West and Park East to Casino Beach will begin running at 6:30 a.m.
Visitors have arrived at the beach en masse for the annual Blue Angels air show, each accompanied by a wide grin and even wider coolers despite the early morning hour.
Traffic on the bridge coming into Pensacola Beach has yet to come to a standstill, but eager motorists face an additional dilemma directly after arriving.
Traffic and parking early Saturday morning is mayhem already. Casino Beach parking lot closed at 4:37 a.m. and other areas are already filing up less than an hour later.
Motorists are having to find clever ways to park alongside the road before the sun has barely risen.
If you haven't made it to the beach yet, there is a chance you may find a spot driving east of the iconic Pensacola Beach Ball, and catch a Pensacola Beach trolley to take you to the sand. There is about eight miles of island available to drive and park, but the trolley only goes about six miles in, so plan to walk.
The Casino Beach parking lot was closed at about 4:37 a.m., according to Visit Pensacola Beach. The lot closed about two hours earlier than it did on Friday, indicating today's crowd will be larger.
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