by Mary Kate Roan
Staff Writer
Though anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 people are anticipated to attend the air show this weekend, the Naval Air Station is ready.
“We’ve been doing it for years,” said Kaylee Laroque, deputy of the public affairs office at the Naval Air Station. “The event takes an enormous amount of coordination and planning between the various departments and tenant commands on base and outside organizations.”
And she’s right – the officials in charge begin planning for the air show a year in advance.
Though the City isn’t putting on this year’s edition of the show, it’s still involved.
“Our office helps to cross promote by including the air show on our website and distributing some of their promotional materials,” said the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events public relations manager Christina Langston.
Other City employees – like police officers, who will be on hand to help with traffic and parking for the show – will be helping with the weekend’s festivities in other forms.
The Florida Department of Transportation is suggesting calling its free 511 number before even venturing towards the show. The number gives real-time information on congestions, incidents and other roadway conditions that could be beneficial to the drive.
While there, fans can sift through novelties or grab some food before settling in their seats to watch the show. The gates open at 10 a.m. with several performances scheduled before the Blue Angels take to the sky for their demonstration at 3 p.m.
According to Langston, next year’s edition of the air show will be orchestrated by the Naval Station at Mayport, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach and will be called the Sea and Sky Spectacular.
Photo courtesy of NAS Air Jax
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