Thousands Pack Beach For Air Show Dress Rehearsal; Here’s The Saturday Schedule
July 18, 2026
Thousands of people packed Pensacola Beach on Friday for the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show Full Dress Rehearsal.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Saturday at the2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show will feature an expanded lineup of military aircraft, historic warbirds and elite aerobatic performers July 17–18 over Pensacola Beach.
This year’s show carries special significance, honoring the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels alongside America’s 250th anniversary. The expanded lineup will feature more aircraft and performances than in previous years, with flight demonstrations beginning earlier than usual on Saturday.
“This year’s air show is shaping up to be one of the most memorable we’ve ever hosted,” said Robbie Schrock, SRIA Director of Administration. “Spectators will see more aircraft and more performances over Pensacola Beach. It’s an extraordinary way to honor these two historic milestones in a community with such deep ties to Naval Aviation.”
Returning this year, the voice of the air show is Luke Carrico, a seasoned announcer renowned for his dynamic and engaging commentary that places audiences directly in the cockpits overhead. Paul Entrekin, a retired Marine Corps aviator and former full-time air show pilot performer, will mark his 33rd year as the Air Boss over the show.
Due to the expanded schedule this year, flight demonstrations will begin earlier than usual. Lifeguards and public safety personnel will clear spectators and vessels from Gulf waters inside the marked aerobatic box at 10:35 a.m. Saturday, ahead of the opening act at 10:46 a.m. Spectators will later have a brief 20-minute water break from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. before the Gulf is cleared again for the Blue Angels’ 2 p.m. performance.
All times are subject to change due to weather or other operational considerations:
10:46 to 10:56 a.m. — The show opens with a Red Bull Air Force flag jump set to the National Anthem and a high-energy teaser featuring Red Bull Air Force helicopter aerobatic pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, aerobatic champion Kevin Coleman in the Extra 300, and precision jumpers.
10:58 to 11:08 a.m. Saturday — Shannon Elliott will perform in the historic SNJ-5, showcasing the power and grace of the classic military trainer.
11:10 to 11:20 a.m. — The Pink Jet, a striking pink Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros flown by Stephanie Goetz and Olga Sannikova, combines unforgettable aerial performance with a powerful message of breast cancer awareness and community outreach.
11:22 to 11:32 a.m. — Frank Kimmel will fly his rare 1949 F4U-5 Corsair, one of fewer than 24 airworthy examples remaining worldwide out of more than 12,000 built. The Corsair remains one of World War II’s most iconic aircraft.
11:34 to 11:44 a.m. — 187th Fighter Wing F-35s based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala., will showcase the F-35A Lightning II’s unmatched stealth, sensor fusion and combat capability. Known as the “Red Tails,” the wing proudly carries forward the legacy of the WWII Tuskegee Airmen.
11:46 to 11:58 a.m. — Carol Pilon with Third Strike Wingwalking will perform atop a vintage Stearman biplane, executing daring acrobatics thousands of feet above the beach in a tribute to classic barnstorming tradition.
Noon to 12:10 p.m. — RJ Gritter will fly his Bellanca Decathlon in a routine filled with crisp loops, rolls, hammerheads and smoke-trailed maneuvers that highlight technical skill and dynamic showmanship.
12:12 to 12:24 p.m. — Father-and-son duo Ken and Austin Rieder with Redline Airshows will perform in matched RV-8 aircraft with opposing passes, tight formation flying and synchronized aerobatics.
12:26 to 12:39 p.m. — Titan Aerobatic Team will fly three WWII-era AT-6 Texan aircraft in tight, precision formation maneuvers that honor the legacy of the iconic military trainer.
12:41 to 12:51 p.m. — Skip Stewart returns with his highly modified biplane, Prometheus, delivering aggressive snap rolls, vertical climbs and his signature inverted low-level pass along the beach.
12:53 to 1:18 p.m. — Red Bull Air Force returns for a featured performance combining helicopter aerobatics, Kevin Coleman’s specialized Extra 300SHP and precision skydiving from the Red Bull Air Force Jump Team led by Luke Aikins.
1:20 to 1:24 p.m. Saturday — A four-plane formation of U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs will take to the skies over Pensacola Beach, showcasing the precision, power and teamwork of the Air Force’s premier pilot training aircraft.
1:26 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday only — The Veterans Flight, organized by Pensacola attorney and pilot Roy Kinsey, will serve as a moving aerial tribute honoring 101-year-old Korean War Medal of Honor recipient and legendary U.S. Navy fighter pilot Capt. Royce Williams and all World War II and Korean War veterans.
Starting at 1:30 p.m., spectators will have a very short, 20-minute window to cool off in the Gulf before the show’s grand finale. At 1:50 p.m., lifeguards and public safety personnel will begin clearing everyone from the water in anticipation of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Spectators are urged to cooperate immediately when asked to exit the Gulf so the air show can continue safely and on schedule.
2 to 2:45 p.m. — Closing out the show on Saturday will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flying in their F/A-18 Super Hornets. For 80 years, the Blue Angels have represented the highest standards of excellence, teamwork and service within the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Spectators will witness signature maneuvers including the Diamond Dirty Loop, Double Farvel, Vertical Pitch, Fleur de Lis, Opposing Knife Edge Pass and crowd-favorite Sneak Pass.
“For Pensacola Beach, hosting the Blue Angels is personal. They are our hometown heroes and a proud part of our community,” said Mike Burns, Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. “As we celebrate their 80th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we’re honored to share this special tradition with visitors from across the country.”
IMPORTANT NOTE: NO DRONES OR KITES ALLOWED DURING THE AIR SHOW
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Friday Crash At Quintette Road, Highway 95A
July 18, 2026
There were no injuries in a Friday morning crash at the Circle K at the intersection of Quintette Road and Highway 95A.
The crash involved an SUV that was pulling a utility trailer and a Ford pickup truck.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Former Pensacola Postal Worker Admits To Stealing Mail And Gift Cards
July 18, 2026
A former postal employee has pleaded guilty to stealing mail from an Escambia County post office.
Evan Aldric Harris, 30, of Evergreen, Alabama, pleaded guilty to the federal charge of theft of mail by a postal employee.
According to court documents, Harris was caught on video opening and removing the contents of mail he was tasked with sorting while working as an employee of the United States Postal Service at the Pensacola Processing and Delivery Center. When interviewed by law enforcement, the defendant admitted that he had opened greeting cards and stolen gift cards out of them, according to the Department of Justice.
Harris faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and restitution when he is sentenced in September in federal court in Pensacola.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Escambia County Corrections Lieutenant Graduates From Florida Senior Leadership Program
July 18, 2026
Escambia County Corrections Lieutenant Ashley Griffin recently graduated from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Senior Leadership Program, demonstrating her dedication to enhancing her leadership skills in the criminal justice profession.
Lt. Griffin is among 33 graduates representing 27 criminal justice agencies throughout the State of Florida to recently complete the program, which is designed to prepare Florida’s criminal justice leadership for the challenging and changing demands of the future.
Participants in the Senior Leadership Program met in Tallahassee for six week-long classes over a 10-month period, attending courses on topics such as risk management, trust-based leadership, and criminal justice futures forecasting. Class participants studied the trends and events that will continue to challenge criminal justice professionals and examined the leadership skills necessary to create and lead the changes that lie ahead.
“I’m extremely proud of Lt. Griffin for completing this program and taking the initiative to further her leadership skills,” Escambia County Chief of Corrections Rich Powell said. “This training not only benefits Escambia County Corrections, but all of the individuals we protect and serve every day. Congratulations to all of the graduates, and thank you to FDLE for offering these programs for our officers to grow within the criminal justice profession.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Compton Homers, But Bats Kept Quiet In Wahoos Loss To Shuckers
July 18, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos returned from the All-Star Break with a 4-2 loss to the Biloxi Shuckers on Friday night.
Brandon Compton highlighted the offense for the Blue Wahoos, hitting a solo homer in the sixth inning for his seventh home run in 12 Double-A games.
Jacob Miller (L, 1-4) took the loss for the Blue Wahoos despite making his longest start in more than a month since coming off the injured list. The righty allowed four runs in 4.2 innings while striking out five.
The Shuckers took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a Josh Adamczewski double and Matthew Wood RBI single, and added two more in the third inning on a Jesús Made RBI groundout and Adamczewski RBI single. They scored their fourth and final run on an Andrew Fischer RBI single in the fifth inning.
Yorman Galindez lasted only two innings in his start for the Shuckers, laboring with a high pitch count. Jesús Broca (W, 2-3) came on to work a scoreless third before Travis Smith worked 4.0 effective innings of one-run relief.
The Pensacola bullpen struggled with command, but the Shuckers failed to add on in the later innings. Relievers Christian MacLeod, Livan Reinoso and Nigel Belgrave combined to walk seven Biloxi batters over 3.1 scoreless innings. Blue Wahoos catcher Ryan Ignoffo helped the cause by throwing out three Shuckers base stealers, tying a Double-A career high he previously set last August.
Though the Blue Wahoos threatened in the ninth inning with an RBI double from new arrival Ethan O’Donnell, Nick Merkel (S, 1) needed only one pitch to retire Juan Matheus on a deep flyout as the potential tying run to end the game in a 4-2 final.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Saturday night
written by Erik Bremer
Florida Lottery Marks National Lottery Week, Citing $51 Billion Raised for Education Since 1988
July 18, 2026
The Florida Lottery has joined jurisdictions across the country to mark National Lottery Week, highlighting the agency’s long-term economic contributions and its role in funding state educational programs.
Since its inception in 1988, the Florida Lottery has generated more than $51 billion for education. According to agency officials, these funds are directed toward public schools, state colleges and universities, and the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which has supported more than 1 million students in pursuing higher education.
“National Lottery Week is an opportunity to reflect on the people who make our mission possible—our players, retailers, employees, and partners,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald D. Dixon. “While exciting prizes are an important part of the Lottery experience, the true impact is reflected in the opportunities we help create for students and communities across Florida. For more than 38 years, the Florida Lottery has remained committed to responsibly maximizing revenues for education, and we are proud of the lasting difference that mission continues to make every day.”
In addition to education funding, the Lottery reported significant figures regarding its commercial operations, noting that it has paid out over $110 billion in prizes and created more than 4,900 millionaires statewide over nearly four decades.
Officials emphasized that 99 percent of total revenue is reinvested back into the state’s economy. This includes prize payouts, transfers to educational funds, and sales commissions distributed to a network of more than 13,600 registered Lottery retailers across Florida.
Pictured:The State Line Gift Shop on Highway 97 in Davisville before the drawing for the September 6, 2025, $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Indicted On Federal Sex Trafficking Charge
July 17, 2026
A Molino man has been indicted on multiple federal charges including sex trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering.
Javier Cyree Tyrell Brown, 28, of Blueberry Lane, was indicted in federal court on one count of commercial sex trafficking, one count of financially benefiting from commercial sex trafficking, one count of using a facility for purposes of racketeering, one count of coercion, and enticement for interstate prostitution, one count of interstate transportation for prostitution, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Brown remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending trial on August 17, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Brown faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment.
Details on the allegations against Brown were not immediately available as the indictment remains sealed in federal court.
Practice Makes Perfect: Blues Wow Crowds At Practice Show
July 17, 2026
Thousands of people got a sneak peak of the the action of Pensacola’s hometown Blue Angels during a full practice show on Thursday afternoon.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Three People Injured In Highway 97, Greenland Road Crash
July 17, 2026
Three people were injured in a T-bone collision on Friday in Davisville.
The crash happened at Highway 97 and Greenland Road. The driver of a Buick Century apparently T-boned a Chevrolet Equinox with both vehicles coming to a stop on Greenland Road.
Three people, all in their middle 70s, were transported to area hospitals by Escambia County EMS.
Members of the Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue responded, along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released additional details.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blues Angels From Traffic To Heat And Safety: What You Need To Know
July 17, 2026
With the Blue Angels ready to take to the skies for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, Escambia County encourages the public to follow these tips for a safe and fun air show experience:
Traffic
- Leave early. Traffic will be heavy, and parking is limited on Pensacola Beach. To view live traffic cameras, visit MyEscambia.com/pensacolabeach.
- The Casino Beach and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk parking lots will close once they reach capacity.
- If parking is full in the core areas, take advantage of the free Pensacola Beach Trolleys offered by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Buses and trolleys will transport passengers between Park East, Park West and Casino Beach, the air show’s show center. Click here for more information about Pensacola Beach trolley service.
- Remember that access into and exiting the Casino Beach parking lot along Via De Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road functions in a circular configuration, with one way in and one way out. The only entrance into the parking lot is along Via De Luna Drive next to Sidelines Sports Bar & Restaurant and across the street from Flounder’s Chowder House. The only exit from the parking lot is along Fort Pickens Road near the public restrooms/Public Safety Building.
- Parking is not allowed along Fort Pickens Road.
Pedestrian Safety
- Pedestrians should cross the street at marked crosswalks and always watch for traffic when crossing.
- Follow pedestrian signs and signals. Pedestrians should yield right of way to vehicles if the crosswalk signal is red or “Don’t Walk.”
- Drivers should use extra caution and be mindful of pedestrians in the area.
Drone Restrictions
- Flying drones or kites during the air show is strictly prohibited.
- Please help keep everyone safe and the show running smoothly by following all drone rules and guidelines.
- Once aircraft demonstrations begin, all drones and kites must be grounded until the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have completed their performance. This also includes the civilian flight demonstrations. Any drone detected within a five-mile radius of the restricted flight zone will result in an immediate pause of the air show until the airspace is clear.
- Click here for more information about drone regulations and restrictions.
Water Safety
- Swim in lifeguarded areas, and be sure to follow all lifeguard instructions. Swimmers will not be allowed in the Gulf during the air show.
- Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
- Rip currents are the leading water hazard and account for more than 80% of lifeguard rescues. Even on green flag days, rip currents can be present. If you are caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm.
- Swim parallel to shore.
- If you are unable to swim out immediately, float with the current until it weakens, then swim back to shore at an angle.
Heat Safety
- Wear and reapply sunscreen often.
- Avoid strenuous activities and wear light clothing.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a vehicle.
Weather Safety
- Escambia County Emergency Management will be closely monitoring the weather and sharing updates with the public throughout the air show.
- Air show attendees are reminded to heed any warnings about severe weather and lightning in the area, and to follow any announcements and instructions regarding potential weather delays.
Pensacola Beach Rules
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
- The west side of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is an alcohol-free zone.
- Open containers are not allowed off the boardwalk or outside any establishment.
- No alcohol can be consumed in any parking lot on Santa Rosa Island.
- No grills are allowed on the beach.
- Dogs other than service animals are not permitted on the any of the beaches except in designated dog parks.
- Remember to “leave no trace” and keep Pensacola Beach sea turtle friendly. Properly dispose of trash, fill in any holes in the sand and remove belongings from the beach at the end of the day. This includes not leaving any personal property unattended on the sandy Gulf beach from sunset until sunrise like umbrellas, tents, beach toys and chairs.
Water and First Aid Stations
- A water station will be available at the Pensacola Beach Visitors Information Center, located in the Casino Beach parking lot near the corner of Via de Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road.
- A first aid medical tent will be located in the parking lot of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office substation at Casino Beach to provide assistance to any air show attendees in need of medical care.
- An emergency cooling station will also be available next to the medical tent.
Vessel Exclusion Zone
- Escambia County Emergency Management has deployed buoys and signage in the sound side of Pensacola Beach to create a vessel exclusion zone for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, which will provide an access point for first responders entering and exiting the water when responding to calls.
- The vessel exclusion zone will begin from the shoreline between the Santa Rosa Island Authority Administrative Building and the ferry channel.
- Boaters are prohibited from anchoring their boats within the vessel exclusion zone, which is marked by red buoys. However, boaters may cross through the vessel exclusion zone while traveling to their destination.
Pictured: The Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach last year as seen from onboard a Coast Guard ship in the Gulf. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
