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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Flying High over Jacksonville

October 19, 2012 by Joe Talentino

Flying is every boy’s dream, and it has been mine for a long time. I have been in planes before, and in a helicopters, but when we were invited to fly in a WWII plane – I was thrilled!

The GEICO Skytypers are the only flying unit in the world that performs at air shows typing their messages in the sky. The team fly vintage WWII planes and they are in Jacksonville for this year’s Sea & Sky Spectacular air show at Jax Beach. The team “types” messages at 10,000 feet with puffs of smoke in dot matrix-style letters. We went out to Mayport Naval Station to meet up with the team and to fly over Jacksonville. By the time we made it out to the tarmac the skies were blue and the visibility awesome. We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions. After getting suited up and receiving a quick safety lesson, it was finally time to climb into the plane to take off. We had a group of three planes going up at the same time because we were going to fly formation.

We were ready for take off, but we had to wait for the Blue Angels who were practicing for the air show. We didn’t mind at all because we had the best seats in the house. When the Blue Angels landed, the runway was clear for take off.

The first thing that hits you when you get up in the air is literally the wind. The open cockpit makes this a completely different experience from flying in a “regular plane”. We loved it! Our camera guy Kris also loved the fact that he didn’t have to shoot through glass. We got great footage of the planes, and also of the downtown area of Jacksonville. (You can watch the story on I Know Jax on CW 17 on Saturday at 11 p.m. – and we will be uploading the video here soon too!)

Geicos Skytypers over downtown Jacksonville

The GEICO Skytypers use six of the remaining 11 North American SNJ-2 planes left in the world to write messages at an altitude of 10,000 feet.  Each World War II-era plane has been restored and equipped and with a computer that coordinates the smoke puffs from the aircraft. The six aircraft fill the sky and come from all directions, providing spectators a unique viewing experience. During skytyping missions the pilots fly 250 feet apart in a wide “line-abreast” formation. When aligned, the smoke puffs form letters as tall as the Empire State Building. Skytyping is 17 times faster than skywriting because each pilot can create a letter every four seconds. Entire messages can be as large as 6 to 8 miles wide.  Messages are visible for 15 miles in each direction on a clear day.

These flying machines have been around for a while. The SNJ-2 planes served as a training plane for most of the Allied pilots flying in WWII. This aircraft is known by many names; the T-6 Texan (Army Aircorp) and the Harvard (RAF), but was most affectionately known as the “pilot maker” by crew members. The SNJ-2 also won honors in WWII and in the early portion of the Korean War.   A total of 15,495 planes were manufactured training thousands of pilots across 34 different countries. Today there are only eleven SNJ-2 planes still in existence, the Geico Skytypers have six of these planes.

Maneuvering the antique aircraft requires great skill and expertise. Most of the GEICO Skytypers pilots earned their wings in the military and several currently fly for commercial airlines. In addition to skytyping, the team also performs a low-altitude, precision-formation flying routine combined with a thrilling aeronautical demonstration. You will be able to see the Geico Skytypers perform on both Saturday and Sunday at Jax Beach.

We had a great flight, and we got great footage. I think I had a silly grin on my face for hours after we landed – and I had wind noise in my ears too, but that didn’t bother me at all. Once back on the ground, Ken presented me with a special badge that is only given to visitors who have been on a formation flight with the Geico Skytypers. I think I’m going to sew that one to my leather jacket. All I need now is some cool pilot sunglasses and I’ll be ready for a dogfight.

Read more about the air show Sea Sky Spectacular in Jacksonville, Florida

I am almost a real pilot now!

 

 


 

Things to do in Florida – October 2010

September 27, 2010 by Susanne Talentino

October is a month filled with festivals and happenings — and it’s usually one of the best times of the year to spend time outdoors.  There is a lot more happening in October than just Halloween and Halloween events. Just take a look at some of our suggestions below. (Also, don’t forget to watch our video podcast with October events on the coast)

First Friday Artwalk – St Augustine, Florida

October 1, 2010
The art walk in St. Augustine is a social affair with lots of people mingling in the streets outside the many quaint shops, galleries and other venues participating. Read more – First Friday Artwalk St Augustine, Florida

Datil Pepper Festival – St. Augustine, Florida

October 2 – 3, 2010
Spice things up with the datil pepper at this festival. The datil pepper is celebrated at this festival in St. Augustine every year. More details here – Datil Pepper Festival.

Les deMerle

Amelia Island Jazz Festival – Fernandina, Florida

October 3 – 10, 2010
The well-known jazz musician Les deMerle has been the driving force behind this popular jazz festival for many years and created an exciting program. Read more here – Amelia Island Jazz Festival

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville, Fl

October 6, 2010
This is a monthly event in downtown Jacksonville. This month the theme for the event is “Hispanic Heritage” Find out more on the page for First Wednesday Art Walk

Greek Festival – St Augustine

October 8 – 10, 2010
Experience food and culture from Greece, without leaving your own backyard – just come to this festival in October. Read all about it here – Greek Festival in St. Augustine


Amelia Island Autumn Fine Arts Festival
October 9, 2010
This street festival in the historic downtown district on beautiful Amelia Island will feature 60 fine arts/crafts exhibitors. Galleries in the historic district will be participating in the Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk and many visiting artists will take part in the Artwalk by staying open until 8 p.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the historic train depot. Call 904-261-7020 for more information.

Jacksonville Film Festival

October 13 – 17, 2010
The film festival seems to becoming more popular every year. The opening night always takes place at the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Get more details on our page for Jacksonville Film Festival

Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, Florida

October 14 -17, 2010
Motorcyclists from near and far will converge in Daytona for the special Biketoberfest. Read more on our event page for Biketoberfest.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Jacksonville, Fl

October 22, 2010
Come to a very special movie screening where the audience is participating. There’s even a street festival before the movie. Read more here – Rocky Horror

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise – Daytona, Fl

October 22 – 24, 2010
This is a car show and event for car enthusiasts from the region with lots of events around Daytona Beach, Florida. Read more on our special page for Daytona Beach Dream Cruise


NAS Air Show – Jacksonville, Florida

October 23 – 24, 2010
The annual airshow in Jacksonville always brings a huge crowd. Lots of fun for the whole family at this big, annual event. More details at our special events page for NAS Air Show

Jacksonville Caribbean Festival

October 24, 2010
This colorful festival returns to Jacksonville in October with a parade, festival and concert. Read more about the event on the page for Jacksonville Caribbean Festival

St Augustine, Florida

Uptown Saturday Night – St Augustine

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District hold the popular event Uptown Saturday Night. This monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals. Find out more here – Uptown Saturday Night

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic – Jacksonville, Fl

October 27 – 31, 2010
The football fans from both universities will gather in Jacksonville for the annual battle between the two giants. Lots of events and happenings around town. Read more here Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

Beaufort Water Festival Last Weekend

July 21, 2010 by Joe Talentino

The water festival is the biggest festival every year in Beaufort, South Carolina. This is the last week of the festival, and it all comes to an end this weekend.

The schedule includes a wide variety of events from arts & craft market, air show, grande parade, boat parade and blessing, dog demonstrations and much much more.

For more details regarding the schedule check out our special events page for the Beaufort Water Festival

Sea and Sky Spectacular Jacksonville 2009

October 27, 2009 by Susanne Talentino

The annual  Air show the Sea & Sky Spectacular on November 6 – 8 , 2009 comes to  Jacksonville, Florida. This is one of the most popular events in Jacksonville, and no wonder.

The Sea & Sky Spectacular is a breathtaking sky show highlighted by the world-famous United States Navy Blue Angels along with other military and civilian flight teams.

But there’s more to this event than planes. There’s also live entertainment, a street festival with displays of aircraft and military vehicles, simulators, recruitment booths, a kids area and Meet The Performers Autograph Sessions.

The Sea and Sky Spectacular will also be encompassed within the City of Jacksonville’s Week of Valor to celebrate and honor all military branches throughout the community.  Week of Valor components will include events held in downtown Jacksonville as well as Naval Station Mayport.

Find out about parking here!

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Here is some of the happenings:

FRIDAY NOV 6

Air show performers will practice their demonstrations and aerobatic performances throughout the day. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice will start at approximately 2:15 p.m.

♦ Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular Pre-Flight Party
Seawalk Pavilion, 6-10 p.m.
Free admission

Come meet your favorite performer and get an autograph. Meet and mingle with military and civilian performers and crews.

♦ Popular Science Star Party
6-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday takes place on the beach, right next to the Seawalk Pavilion. In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, which marks 400 years since the great Italian scientist Galileo Galilei first turned a telescope to the sky, Celestron will be viewing Jupiter and its moons, the craters of Earth’s Moon, nebulas and galaxies through our computerized telescopes during the Sea & Sky Spectacular and we invite the public to come take a peek at these amazing celestial objects.

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SAT NOV 7 & SUN NOV 8

Event Hours 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Free Admission

♦ Sky Show
The show will open each day with an American Flag fly over and a performance of the National Anthem.

Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular Street Festival
First Street from First Avenue North to Fifth Avenue North

Interactive games, displays, simulators, children’s activities, arts & crafts, food, beverages and much more!

Kids Area
Featuring face painting, make and take crafts and much more!
Meet the Performers Autograph Session
On Saturday and Sunday, pilots and performers will meet and sign autographs for air show fans.

Recruitment Booths
Representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department will be on hand to provide information on careers.

♦ Popular Science Star Party (Friday and Saturday only)
6-10 p.m. On the beach just north of the pier.
Get an up close view of the night skies with Celestron! In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, which marks 400 years since the scientist Galileo Galilei first turned a telescope to the sky, Celestron will be viewing Jupiter and its moons, the craters of Earth’s Moon, nebulas and galaxies through our computerized telescopes during the Sea & Sky Spectacular and we invite the public to come take a peek at these amazing celestial objects.

Click here for the complete schedule
sea-sky-spectacular

The Cecil Field Airshow 2009 in Jacksonville

April 15, 2009 by Susanne Talentino

Based on the number of scheduled performer, this The Cecil Field Airshow 2009 is turning out to be the biggest airshow in the country. So if you love planes, flying and exciting performances – this is a show you can’t miss.

Here you’ll experience everything skydivers to wing-walkers and military tactical demonstration to simulated aerial dogfights.There are 35 aerobatic performers (yes, thirty-five!)scheduled to participate in the air show. Performances take place on both Saturday and Sunday. This will be a truly unique event and an memorable experience for the whole family.

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