Tampa Republic

Tampa Bay Airfest 2024 soars into MacDill Air Force Base this weekend, bringing with it extreme thrills and extreme traffic. Upwards of 150,000 visitors are expected to attend the free two-day event taking place Friday and Saturday, March 29-30.

Both MacDill AFB and the City of Tampa are encouraging visitors to ARRIVE EARLY to the base and be patient, as traffic is likely to back up quickly. Parking is also expected to fill up fast. Remember, gates open at 8 am. Be on the lookout for the numerous traffic control signs, detours, and law enforcement officers directing traffic near the base. Keep in mind, typical travel lanes may be adjusted to ensure order and security. Also, there will be no inbound traffic allowed on side streets near MacDill AFB. Drivers should avoid South Himes Avenue altogether because of a full road closure due to construction from West Bay Avenue to Interbay.

In light of the event, MacDill AFB has announced that due to personnel and logistical issues, mass transportation for Tampa Bay Airfest 2024 will not be allowed. The base also discourages guests from using ride-share services and recommends carpooling using personal transportation. Pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed, with the requirement for bike riders to wear a helmet on base. Bike riders may enter through any gate.

Guests should also be prepared for congestion and delays when leaving the event. Vehicles coming from different areas are advised on the best gates to utilize based on their location to ensure smooth entry and exit.

Boaters are permitted to view the event from the water, but they are warned not to enter the clearly marked MacDill Exclusion Zone around MacDill AFB to avoid receiving an expensive ticket, with no warnings given out. Drones are strictly prohibited from the event.

For additional event information, attendees are encouraged to visit tampabayairfest.com or download the Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 app available for Apple and Android devices. For updates, individuals can also check the official MacDill Air Force Base Facebook page, as other pages claiming to be official Tampa Bay AirFest pages are scams and are not affiliated with MacDill AFB.

In conclusion, with the excitement of Tampa Bay Airfest 2024 approaching, visitors are advised to plan their transportation carefully and adhere to the guidelines set by MacDill AFB to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.