TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

MacDill AirFest Promises Heavy Traffic, Cheap Thrills

ADVERTISEMENT

By RICH SHOPES

rshopes@tampatrib.com

Published: March 27, 2009

TAMPA - AirFest is flying into town this weekend, which means potential traffic headaches in South Tampa.

Previous air shows had Dale Mabry Highway and MacDill Avenue turned into parking lots. Just how thick traffic will get this time near MacDill Air Force Base isn't known.

Last year, about 120,000 people showed up for the two-day free event, significantly off from the 350,000 in 2007.
MacDill officials are asking spectators on Saturday and Sunday to show up early and car pool to conserve parking and cut down on traffic outside the base.

Motorists can enter through two gates, on MacDill Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway. Police will direct traffic near the base. The gates open at 8 a.m.

"If we see a whole bunch of people lined up, we might open the gates earlier," said Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke, base spokeswoman.

The main gates will close to traffic about 2 p.m., once parking areas fill up. The event runs until 5 p.m.

No alcohol or pets are allowed. Folding chairs will be permitted. No coolers will be allowed near the flightline, but they will be allowed inside cars in the parking areas. Officials advise bringing sunglasses, sunscreen and bottled water. Food will be sold inside the base.

This year's headliner is the Thunderbirds. Exhibitions include a B-25 bomber, a P-51 fighter plane, a T-6 Star Fire and a biplane. Modern fighter jets will be on display. Also, a group will parachute over the base.

New this year: the county's transit agency, HART, will run its Route 4 buses from downtown Tampa to the base. Folks can park at a downtown garage and take the bus.

The vehicles will run every 15 minutes and use the Bayshore entrance, so riders won't have to wait at the main gates. Fares are $1.75 one-way for adults and 85 cents for seniors and people 17 or younger.

For information, go to www .macdill-airfest.com.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT