Business owners, locals tense over possible Blue Angels cuts

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Whether they’re soaring through the skies in front of thousands of show-goers, or taking pedestrians on a ride along — the Blue Angels’ performances command awe and respect.

Budget cuts may now have their flights in jeopardy. According to a report by the US News and World Report, cuts to the Navy’s budget could threaten to halt air shows as soon as March.

“The peak of the year is the Blue Angels’ show. That's where the year culminates. It’s not just the big hotels and restaurants but the bussers and the servers that get their chance to make overtime,” Andreas Noeth said.

Noeth is a manager at McGuire’s in Pensacola. He said the loss would be huge for the local economy. Noeth said the impact of the air shows floods his business with locals and tourists.

“It’s the people who either can’t get to the show because they can’t get over the bridge. After the show, every restaurant is packed and every hotel is packed,” Noeth said.

He says the loss would mean nearly half of that could go away. The homecoming air show brings hundreds of thousands of people to Pensacola Beach in July.

Paris Wells, a Pensacola resident, said the loss of that turnout wouldn’t just affect the economy, but affect the morale as well.

“It’s a big party out here and everyone sets up tents and enjoys the weekend. It’s toward the end of the summer and it’s kind of the last hurrah of the summer,” said Wells.