2022 Tampa Airfest

[Thermobrett]

Good Morning
The Tampa Air Show is back for the first time in a few years. Does anyone know what side of the MacDill Air Force Base would be the best place to anchor and watch the airshow?

 

[Julian]

@adrianp89 you ever go....any insights?

 

[Thermobrett]

I have only been to the show on base, but now that we have our boat, might be worth watching from the water. We used to watch the air show in Cleveland by boat.

 

[adrianp89]

I have never been, I am interested though.

 

[adrianp89]

According to the website, they have no issues with boats. Stay outside of the marked zone around the base.

https://ocean.floridamarine.org/Boating_Guides/tampa_bay/products/Boating_zones/east_tampa_bay_boating_zones.pdf

With a NW wind of ~15mph prob best get as far up in and as close to the base as possible, on the hillsborough bay side.

 

[Can0n11]

Out front of the Enlisted Club ;-). Pre Covid the McDill club had seafood night- bucket of crab legs. You probably wont be allowed to be in the beach/marina area and the daily commuter docking area will probably be closed but you can call and ask. https://macdillfss.com/wp-content/uploads/OutdoorRec_Brochure.pdf Military ID may be required.

I havent seen the Coast Guard safety box but the airspace is going to be closed; anywhere off the RWY 23 (230) approach end and I am guessing southwest might be good. Our static display A-10 teams used to do gun loads for the local airshows, probably wont see that there if you buy box seats at McDill. Fun times!

Restricted airspace air box:

 

[Thermobrett]

Fantastic! Thank you for the info. I'm sure there will be a mass amount of boats, and follow the planes

 

[Julian]

Their website FAQ #22 is">#FAQ #22 is pretty clear




so be careful where you park....

 

[MrBubbaGump]

Beer Can Island / Pine Key, East side of the base. You can anchor off the island and hang out on the island as well.

 

[flyingnugget]

Awww Man!! Totally jealous! How freaking cool will this be. Hope you guys post tons of pix and find a good spot for the show.

How can you go wrong with Bad-ass Military aircraft, boat's and a few beers?

I use to visit a buddy down in FLL and would go to the "salute to Military" air and sea show. It was awesome. Like a Jimmy Buffett concert except with military and airline fly-byes plus the occasion beach assault from an amphibious ship. Was the coolest airshows I've ever seen.

Hats off to all the active and retired military guys and gals on here. Nothing but respect for you all!

 

[adrianp89]

Looks like weather is going to awesome on Sunday, hope it stays that way. We will probably be out in the 252.

 

[LethFT]

I'll be out there tomorrow as well.

 

[Thermobrett]

All
Thank you for the interest and information. Its pretty nice that MacDill has clearly posted zones in the bay to stay behind, not to mention the police boats trafficking the line too. Attached are some photos from Sunday. I went straight out of the Alafia (Williams Park) and anchored up in line with the water tower at MacDill. This put us pretty close to show center. I cannot attach the videos, but have some pretty sweet Blue Angel fly-by right over the boat.