VERO BEACH — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels landed in Vero Beach on Thursday to prepare for the annual air show that returns to the Treasure Coast this weekend and is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors.
The three-day Vero Beach Air Show at Vero Beach Regional Airport opens Friday evening with a night performance that features lights and other attractions. The Blue Angels, the headliners, will fly Saturday and Sunday with full daytime programs that include military jets, aerobatic demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Pilots and crew arrived ahead of the performances. Organizers said crowds from across the country and overseas will fill the area, creating heavy traffic. Officials urged visitors to arrive early and prepare for congestion near the airport.
The Blue Angels team includes seven aircraft. The No. 1 pilot leads signature maneuvers, such as the diamond formation in which four jets fly at low altitude with tight sharpness in front of spectators. The show exhibits the skill of naval aviators and their support teams.
This marks the return of the Blue Angels to Vero Beach in an even-numbered year. The event combines high-performance aviation with entertainment options for all ages at the regional airport.
Organizers recommended that attendees check traffic updates, parking information and schedules in advance. Full details are available through the Vero Beach Air Show website. The performances on Saturday and Sunday are set to conclude the weekend with accuracy flights that have become a tradition on the Treasure Coast.