BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB) – Thunderbeach isn’t the only event taking place on Panama City Beach this weekend. The other major event is the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show.
The show is returning after a 6-year absence.
Law enforcement is working hard to keep everyone safe and traffic moving.
The event was previously held at Tyndall Air Force Base, but it’s being held at Russell Fields City Pier in Panama City Beach for the first time.
Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez says the department’s preparation for the air show has been extensive.
It couldn’t have been done without the combined effort of other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
“Whether it be spring break or the summer after a major event, the unified presence of law enforcement at Bay County should be the standard across America. The manner in which we cooperate with each other, the manner in which we talk to each other, we plan together, we have after-actions together, we set the standard for partnerships in law enforcement, not because we have to, but because we want to,” Panama City Beach Police J.R Talamentez said.
In order to keep safe they’re blocking off a portion of Front Beach Road.
Powell Adams Road To Park Drive will be closed from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
There will also be other roadways closed throughout Pier Park.
Tyndall officials say they are looking forward to all the fun this weekend.
On Friday, jet operators were out for practice runs ahead of the actual air show. Saturday and Sunday will be packed with demos with F-16s, F-22s, and of course the Thunderbirds.
There will also be food and beverage vendors around the pier.
“I’m really looking forward to the show. We’ve had our team working with this team. It’s the City of Panama City. Beach, and they’ve been working really hard for the last year to make this happen. And so it’s going to be a really special couple of days and we can’t wait for it to start,” 325th Fighter Wing Commander COL. George Watkins said.
All the action will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Locals can use Pier Park Drive off of Back Beach Road to access parking at Aaron Bessant Park for the air show.
To receive live safety and traffic alerts from the Panama City Beach Police Department this weekend, text PCBAIRSHOW to 888-777.
