Last modified Thu., November 05, 2009 - 04:27 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 5, 2009

Blue Angels Back At Beach

From the city of Jacksonville

The Blue Angels are in town participating in Jacksonville's Sea and Air Spectacular Show. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toiete Jackson
MC1(AW) Toiete Jackson

Join Naval Station Mayport, the City of Jacksonville and the Beaches Cities as the skies and waterways of the First Coast are transformed into the backdrop for the most exciting air acts and military demonstrations in the world.

This free event features a dynamic over-the-ocean sky show highlighted by the world-famous United States Navy Blue Angels along with other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment and a street festival featuring static displays of aircraft and military vehicles, simulators, recruitment booths, and kids area and Meet The Performers Autograph Sessions.

In addition, the Sea and Sky Spectacular will also be encompassed within the City of Jacksonville's Week of Valor to celebrate and honor all military branches throughout the community. Week of Valor components will include events held in downtown Jacksonville.

The Blue Angles are in town participating in Jacksonville's Sea and Air Spectacular Show. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toiete Jackson
MC1(AW) Toiete Jackson

Schedule of Events Friday, Nov. 6

School Field Trip Day, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Area schools and high school ROTC groups are invited to come check out the performers as they practice their precision moves, recruitment booths and more. Bus drop-off is on Beach Boulevard at First Street. Once students are unloaded, busses will be routed to parking area. Car drop-off is on Second Street between First and Second Avenues North. Once students are unloaded, vehicles will be routed to parking area.

Practice Show Military and civilian air show performers will practice their demonstrations and aerobatic feats throughout the day. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice will commence at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular Pre-Flight Party Seawalk Pavilion, 6-10 p.m. Free and open to the public. No matter your age or favorite music genre, Last 2 Leave is sure to get you on your feet.

Meet and Greet Take advantage of this opportunity to get an autograph from your favorite performer. You are invited to meet and mingle with Sea and Sky Spectacular military and civilian performers and crews.

Popular Science Star Party (Friday and Saturday only), 6-10 p.m. on the beach next to the Seawalk Pavilion Join Celestron for an up close view of the night skies. In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, which marks 400 years since the great Italian scientist Galileo Galilei first turned a telescope to the sky, Celestron will be viewing Jupiter and its moons, the craters of Earth's Moon, nebulas and galaxies through our computerized telescopes during the Sea & Sky Spectacular and we invite the public to come take a peek at these amazing celestial objects. Saturday, Nov. 7 & Sunday, Nov. 8 Event Hours 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free Admission Sky Show The show will open each day with an American Flag fly over and a performance of the National Anthem.

Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular Street Festival (First Street from First Avenue North to Fifth Avenue North) There is plenty to do while the performers are in the air. Ground activities include interactive games, displays, simulators, children's activities, arts & crafts, food, beverages and more. There will be a Kids Area featuring face painting, make and take crafts and much more.

Meet the Performers Autograph Session On Saturday and Sunday, pilots and performers will take time to meet and sign autographs for air show fans. This is a great opportunity to meet the men and women behind these incredible machines.

Recruitment Booths Representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department will be on hand to provide information on careers.

Popular Science Star Party (Friday and Saturday only), 6-10 p.m. on the beach just north of the pier. Join Celestron for an up close view of the night skies. In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, which marks 400 years since the great Italian scientist Galileo Galilei first turned a telescope to the sky, Celestron will be viewing Jupiter and its moons, the craters of Earth's Moon, nebulas and galaxies through our computerized telescopes during the Sea & Sky Spectacular and we invite the public to come take a peek at these amazing celestial objects.

Parking Parking will not be available on-site on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8. Patrons are strongly urged to take a convenient, free shuttle. Locations TPC Lots (located west of A1A on County Road 210) for $20 per vehicle. Shuttle times are Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Shuttles will run continuously to and from the event site. The last shuttle will depart from the event site at 6 p.m. each day.

Pier Hours and Accessibility The Jacksonville Beach Pier and parking lot will have limited accessibility and/or be closed to the public for the Sea and Sky Spectacular in order to accommodate show center and the VIP cabana area. Below is the schedule of access and closure:

Thursday, Nov. 5- No parking at the pier. Pier will be closed from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. The Bait and Tackle Shop will be open normal business hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 6- No parking at the pier. The Pier and Bait and Tackle Shop will be closed from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Pier will not be open for patrons prior to or after hours of closure.

Saturday, Nov. 7- No parking at the pier. The Pier and Bait and Tackle Shop will be closed from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Pier will not be open for patrons prior to or after hours of closure.

Sunday, Nov. 8- No parking at the pier. The Pier and Bait and Tackle Shop will be closed from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Pier will not be open for patrons prior to or after hours of closure.

What To Bring In order to protect the safety of all those attending the Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular, certain security measures have been implemented. The following lists prohibited and allowed items within the event area. All items and persons within the defined event perimeter are subject to visual inspection.

Prohibited items include coolers, picnic baskets, backpacks, food, beverages, pets, rollerblades or skates and bicycles. Bicycle racks will be available at festival entrances. Bikes are left at owner's own risk. Allowed items include ponchos, umbrellas, flags, towels, hats, binoculars, cameras, empty spray bottles, sunscreen, small radios with headphones, small purses/fanny packs no larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches, strollers, lawn/beach chairs and seat cushions

Premier Viewing Area The Premier Viewing Area offers a great view of the action. These beachfront seats will put you in the heat of the action near show center. The area consists of tables and chairs set along the flight line and is first-come, first-served. Food and beverages are easily accessible available for purchase.?Location: 1st Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues North. Prices?for adults is $15; children 4-12 years is $5;?Children 3 years and under is free. Cash only will be accepted. The premier viewing area pen to the public with limited number of tickets available for purchase in advance at the Office of Special Events, 117 West Duval St., Ste. 280 and at the VIP entrance during show hours at the festival.

Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges regardless of weather or changes in flying schedule.

Cabana Seating Experience the best view of the show with beachfront seating catered food and beverages, restrooms, tables and chairs in relaxing covered and uncovered cabana areas. All cabana seating is first-come, first-served and reserved seating is also available. Price includes one meal ticket and two beverage tickets.?Location: 1st Street between 4th and 5th Avenues North.

Prices?Adults is $75;?Children is 4-12 years: $30;?Children 3 years and under free. Open to the public with limited number of tickets available for purchase in advance at the Office of Special Events, 117 West Duval St., Ste. 280 and at the VIP entrance during show hours at the festival. Tickets are limited. Cash only. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges regardless of weather or changes in flying schedule.?Cabana seating will be available to individuals and their families, sponsors for private groups, corporate gatherings and invited guests.