News Summary
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown jeopardizes the Blue Angels’ attendance at the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show, scheduled for October 25-26. While the show will proceed with civilian pilots, the absence of the iconic military team, vital to local aviation culture since 1946, is disappointing for fans. Other air shows are also affected, but there is hope for resolution by October 18 for a concurrent event in Georgia. Jacksonville looks forward to future engagements with the Blue Angels, amid these uncertainties.
Jacksonville, Florida – The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now entering its 17th day, has put the participation of the Blue Angels in the upcoming Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show in jeopardy. The Air Show, set for October 25-26, 2025, may proceed without its famed military jet team, as federal regulations prohibit military performances during the shutdown.
Current circumstances dictate that the Blue Angels will not be able to take flight unless normal government operations resume. Event organizers have indicated, however, that the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show will go on regardless of whether the Blue Angels are part of the lineup. Civilian pilots are scheduled to perform, ensuring that there will still be attractions for attendees, even if the Blue Angels are absent.
Alex Alston, Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment for the City of Jacksonville, has communicated that their team is actively monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the Blue Angels. While the lack of the Blue Angels would undoubtedly disappoint fans, organizers recognize that the situation is beyond their control.
In addition to the Jacksonville event, the Blue Angels were also slated to perform at the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show on October 18-19, but that performance has been canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show will still be held with a full schedule of civilian performers, and ticket holders will be offered a discount code for future events as compensation for the cancellation.
Other air shows featuring the Blue Angels, including a scheduled appearance in Salinas, California, have also been affected, either canceled or conditional upon the resolution of the government shutdown. Practices for the Blue Angels have been suspended, barring public access; however, they are reportedly practicing off-schedule as circumstances allow.
There remains a degree of optimism among show organizers that the Blue Angels could be available by October 18 for the air show in Georgia, should the shutdown end in a timely manner. The Blue Angels have been a significant part of Jacksonville’s aviation tradition since 1946, making their absence deeply felt in the local community and aviation fans alike.
Despite the current uncertainties, the Blue Angels are expected to participate in future events, including the NAS Jacksonville Air Show on October 17-18, 2026, which remains scheduled as planned amid the ongoing circumstances. Local representatives have expressed disappointment over how the shutdown has impacted military traditions and public performances by this iconic team.
Admission to the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show is free, with VIP seating available for $65. The event continues to attract attention as it promises thrilling aerial displays, even without the Blue Angels. With so much still in the air, fans await further updates regarding the future of the Blue Angels and the ongoing government shutdown’s impact on air shows across the country.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Air Show Status Amid Government Shutdown
- PNJ: Blue Angels and Government Shutdown Impact
- News4Jax: Threat to Blue Angels at Jacksonville Air Show
- Action News Jax: Blue Angels at Jacksonville Beach
- PNJ: Blue Angels Practice during Shutdown
- Wikipedia: Blue Angels
- Google Search: Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show
- Google Scholar: Blue Angels Air Show
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Show
- Google News: Government Shutdown Impact on Air Shows
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
