‘Reason why people come’: Government shutdown threatens Blue Angels’ appearance at Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show

The fate of the Blue Angels’ appearance at this month’s Sea and Sky Airshow at Jacksonville Beach hangs in the balance as the government shutdown continues to impact military operations nationwide.

The iconic Navy flight demonstration team is scheduled to appear at the event on Oct. 25 and 26, but recent cancellations of other airshows across the country have raised concerns about their participation in the River City.

The uncertainty follows a pattern of shutdown-related cancellations. The Blue Angels were forced to withdraw from their Salinas, California, Air Show Oct. 4 and 5 appearance, and their participation in San Francisco’s Fleet Week remains conditional on the government reopening.

“That’s the only reason why people come,” said Jacksonville resident Jack Sherrod, expressing co