STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — The ongoing government shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history, is now impacting the Stuart Air Show.
Officials confirmed Wednesday that two key military fighter jets, an F-35 Lightning and an F/A-18 Super Hornet, will not fly in the Veteran’s Day weekend celebration if the shutdown continues through Friday.
Preparations are currently underway for this weekend’s air show at the Stuart Airport, but the appearance of the two military planes is in question. Department of Defense (DOD) officials categorize the air show as a community outreach activity, which is not funded during government shutdowns, effectively pausing all non-essential military operations.
A DOD official provided a statement regarding the short notice required for the jets to still make the show:
“Appropriations would need to be restored (via a continuing resolution or appropriations act signed into law) in sufficient time to allow for the resumption of planning, travel, and execution of the demonstrations without restored funding by the event start on November 7, the demonstrations would remain canceled.”
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This news follows an earlier cancellation: the air show posted on Facebook Sunday that the B-29 bomber named “DOC” would not appear due to unscheduled maintenance.
For those who purchased tickets and wish to seek a refund, the air show’s website terms and conditions state: “No refund will be owed if any performer, act or any other scheduled performance, person or group is changed or cancelled, and the event still occurs.”
Trish Torian of Palm City, who watches the air show every year, expressed her disappointment over the potential loss of the two jets. “I wouldn’t say upset disappointed, yes. Makes sense. I’m just sorry it’s a tough time for the country,” Torian said.
Stuart Air Show officials were reached for comment but have yet to provide a response.
Not all hope is lost yet. DOD officials indicated that if government funding is restored today or tomorrow, there remains a chance the two jets could still make an appearance at the show.
We will continue to monitor the status of the government shutdown and bring you the latest updates on air and online.
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