Inside a Blue Angels flight: FOX 13's Allie Corey soars above Sun n' Fun Expo in Lakeland
The Brief
FOX 13's Allie Corey got to take a ride on Wednesday on Blue Angel #7 high above the skies of the Tampa Bay area.
USMC Major Scott Laux led the charge on timing and set-up for take-off, refueling and safety checks ahead of the flight.
The Sun n' Fun expo continues through the weekend in Lakeland with Blue Angels shows and other flight displays for spectators.
LAKELAND, Fla. - The 51st Sun n' Fun expo in Lakeland is where the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels will awe thousands of spectators with their daring aerial shows. Before they got into formation, FOX 13's Allie Corey got to take a ride on Wednesday on Blue Angel #7 high above the skies of the Tampa Bay area.
The day started with an all-hands-on-deck meeting with Major Scott Laux, USMC, leading the charge on timing and set-up for take-off, refueling and safety checks.
PREVIOUS:Sun 'n Fun opens for 51st annual show in Lakeland
Dig deeper
Maj. Laux is the pilot of Blue Angel #7, which is a two-seat FA-18 Super Hornet that handles the passenger flights and does a lot of the PR for the Blue Angels. Maj. Laux is also the narrator during the shows, giving spectators an understanding of what they're seeing in the air.
The Blue Angels usually provide two rides to civilians. A member of the media to help promote their mission and a member of the community who has shown exemplary commitment to bettering lives. That rider this year, known as the Key Influencer, was Stacy Campbell-Domineck, the president and CEO of CareerSource Polk.
Big picture view
Both riders went through safety training with the #7 Crew Chief, Cody Farrell. Farrell taught the women how to clench their muscles just before maneuvers where they would pull 7 G's. They also practiced the hick maneuver, which is a type of breathing method pilots use during sharp turns of pull-outs. During these maneuvers, pilots experience high G-forces and blood can pool in the lower body, potentially leading to the loss of consciousness.
Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Corey asked Maj. Laux what the number one thing people say when they get back on land is.
"Curse words and, 'oh my goodness,' those are probably the top two," Maj. Laux laughed. "Honestly, a lot of people are at a loss for words. You are mentally overwhelmed and physically overwhelmed after these rides."
Maj. Laux – call sign 'Goldie' – explained what will happen during the flight with Corey.
"We will pull 7.5 G's. We'll attempt to go just below the trans-sonic region, so that will be roughly 650-700 miles an hour. I promise you're in good hands. I'll take care of you, and I'll talk to you through the anti-G's straining maneuvers and everything else," explained Maj. Laux.
READ:How Lakeland Linder Airport balances Sun 'n Fun, passengers and cargo service
With over 1,300 flight hours and 169 aircraft carrier arrested landings, Corey was at ease with Maj. Scott Laux at the helm.
After all the buildup and butterflies before taking off, they did a loop, a rollover, a fly-by 650 miles per hour and what's called a sneak two vertical, pulling 7.4 G's, on the flight. After an hour of twists and turns in the blue skies high over Lakeland, they landed.
What they're saying
"The respect I had for these elite pilots has multiplied tenfold," Corey said. "They truly are another caliber of human. The skill and bravery it takes to fly these jets is something you don't fully comprehend until you experience what it's like flying in them. They are the best of the best in the world."
What you can do
The Sun n' Fun expo continues through the weekend with Blue Angels shows and other flight displays for spectators.
The Source
This story is a first-hand account of FOX 13's Allie Corey's experience flying with the Blue Angels on Wednesday, April 2.
WATCH FOX 13 NEWS:
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
33 Of The Best Summer Products You've Seen In A While
A Ninja Slushi maker so you can ~slushify~ any drink you could possibly want. Ever wondered what your lemonade would taste like as a slushee? Well, now you can find out! Or whip up some delicious frozen margs. Orrr stick to the classics and make an at-home Coke Icee. The world is your oyster (...or slurpee?). Promising review: "The Ninja Slushi is an absolute gem for anyone who loves frozen drinks! It's incredibly easy to use—just pour in your favorite soda, juice, or cocktail mix, pick a preset, and in under an hour, you've got a perfectly slushy treat. I made a cherry cola slush that tasted just like a 7-Eleven Slurpee, and the texture was spot-on. The machine is quiet, easy to clean with its rinse cycle and dishwasher-safe parts, and the 88-oz capacity is great for sharing. It's a bit bulky, but the fun and delicious drinks make it worth the counter space. Highly recommend for summer parties or daily treats." —RajGet it from Amazon for $349.99. A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser filled with a talc-free and reef-friendly powder that'll help remove the sand that sticks to every inch of your little one (and you). Keep this on hand for the beach or even for after an afternoon of playing in the sandbox at your local park. An inflatable beach pillow so you can upgrade your perfect afternoon nap by the ocean with a comfortable place to rest your head instead of making a makeshift pillow out of a pile of sand. They're designed to stay put even when it's windy *and* there's a spot for you to put a cooling pack when you wanna catch some ZZZs without pouring sweat. An umbrella tray table to give you a dry, sand-free spot to keep all the essentials — snacks, sunscreen, phones, and goggles. And they're always at arm's reach, so you don't have to dig into your never-ending, Mary Poppins–seeming bag. A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags so you can have your fave cocktail without needing to buy a whole bar's worth of ingredients to make it. This couldn't be easier — just add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and drop in the teabag. One minute later, BOOM, your delicious drink is ready. A waterproof disposable camera, since apparently digital cameras are trending again, so obviously you have to bring nostalgic vibes to the beach and ocean. Now you can capture proof of that adorable sea turtle you saw instead of just telling people and hoping they believe you. A laptop tent because let's be honest, how much work are you actually accomplishing while you sit inside staring longingly at your chair outside that's directly in the sun. Now you can soak it all up without risking getting fired cause you're still working!! Even Hannah Montana would be jealous of you getting the best of both worlds. A four-pack of towel bands for a solution that'll keep your towels down *and* won't take up a huge chunk of your (limited) suitcase. It's basically an oversized rubber band designed to keep your towel from flying off your chair, aaaand it can help you quickly identify your seat from a sea of hundreds of towels that are all exactly the same. Some vinyl picnic table and bench covers that are perfect for your lunch in the park when you do not wanna sit on the ground but the tables around are… not exactly… clean. These will protect you from the last group's leftover mess and ensure you aren't adding to the problem for whoever comes next. Or you can stick 'em on the table in your backyard to make it a little extra cutie while also protecting you from getting a splinter in your booty. A reusable XL gel ice pack to create the ~ultimate~ cooling experience. Just set it on top of you and it'll stay cold for up to 28 minutes while contouring to your body to give you some sweet, sweet relief from the heat that seems to be never-ending. A weighted headrest so your aesthetic (but mildly uncomfortable) pool chairs can get an upgrade that'll make you wanna sit in them for hours. You just have to hang this over the top and the weighted back keeps it from falling down *and* allows for easy adjustment so it fits perfectly for each person. A thermal phone case to help keep your phone safe from overheating so you don't get back to your beach chair to check your texts only to see that annoying "phone must cool down" message that blocks you from doing anything for at least 10 minutes. A pack of underarm shields designed to protect your pits from the dreaded wet stains (…and smells). Just stick the adhesive onto your shirt and you're all set to feel dry alllll day long! A pre-swim hair cream that can help protect your hair from the damaging chlorine while you're swimming laps or playing mermaids. This stuff will help prevent your strands from getting dry and brittle and can save anyone with blonde locks from the dreaded greenish tint that sometimes makes an appearance in the summer. An inflatable lounger to absolutely upgrade sunbathing into a luxurious experience fit for royalty. Lay down flat and grab some shut eye, or sit on it like a couch with your friends while you debrief from the day. A foldable baby bath chair that one TikToker hacked to turn into the perfect beach lounging spot. Since it's made for a bath it is the perfect option for setting your kiddo in a little pool of water to help them cool off, or just to give them a comfy spot to rest in the shade. And it folds up flat so you can easily take it to and from the beach. A cut-to-size aloe wrap because as hard as you try, you miiiight still end up with a sunburn that feels like your skin is on fire, and this will be your new BFF. The sigh you're about to release when this cooling patch touches your bright red skin is gonna be next level. A portable lock box that can easily secure to beach chairs or tables so you can stash your phone and wallet while you go jump in the waves. Now, you can enjoy beach time as a family instead of having to leave someone at the chairs to guard your stuff. The Noggle, which is an ingenious way to make sure kiddos in the backseat (especially if they're rear-facing) can get some much-needed AC because apparently no car makers really thought about that when deciding where to set up the fans?! A clip-on cupholder you can attach to your beach chair, boat, or poolside table to make sure you always have a convenient place to rest your drink so you don't risk spilling your precious frozen daiquiri. An adjustable folding rattan chair perfect for lounging on the side of the pool, so you can be comfy while still keeping your feet in the water because it is HOT 🥵 and there's no way you're lasting outside for more than 10 minutes if you aren't at least partially in the pool. The backrest can be adjusted to four levels to make sure you're always comfy as heck. A Shibumi windblown shade that'll keep you protected from the sun's scorching rays. Plus, it packs down into a super small and convenient case so you can easily pack and carry it. Some goggles with a click-open clasp and mirrored lenses, because it's 2025, and someone finally invented a version that doesn't fog up or pull your hair out when you take 'em off. Gone are the days of fighting your kiddo to get out of the pool just to have to wrestle their goggles off, yanking their hair in the process, and making an already grumpy kid grumpier. Those wails will never be heard again. Or a pair of Frogglez that have fully redesigned the goggle game. Like, seriously, who thought it was a good idea to make the strap a piece of plastic that gets wrapped around your hair and then rips HUGE clumps out when you take them off?! These are made with a neoprene strap and have adjustable Velcro so they can actually fit each kiddo's head comfortably. A BrüMate hard cooler so much more advanced than a traditional cooler, you'll wonder why you ever had the version that's just an empty vessel. This thing has a built-in tap to dispense beverages, a bottle opener in the lid, a dry rack to keep snacks cold but off the ice, wheels, a handle, secure latches, AND it can hold 48 12-oz cans. To make it even better, ice can last inside for *SEVEN* days. Or a smaller Stanley cooler that doubles as a drink dispenser, holds two gallons, and will keep your fave beverages chilled for 13 hours or iced for up to two days. You don't have to worry about any spilling because the top latches securely. Just imagine how cute it would be to fill your emotional support Stanley cup with this cutie cooler. 😍 An ice pop holder with a lil' cup to catch all the drips from running down your little one's arms and a built-in straw to give them an easy way to slurp all the juices so none of the deliciousness goes to waste. A handheld watermelon slicer so you can have delicious, even slices of your fave summer fruit in seconds rather than risking all your fingers trying to cut it with a traditional knife. Beauty Pops, which are basically portable facials in ice pop form. They're made from a blend of turmeric, aloe, papaya, and banana to help de-puff and refresh your skin. And that cooling sensation will feel sooo nice when it's 90 degrees outside and you can't stop sweating. Just don't be tempted and take a bite... A cleverly designed retractable window sunshade because sometimes the summer vibe is just HOT and you need a way to survive getting back into your car that doesn't involve melting your booty on seats that feel like hot lava! A waterproof baby wrap so you can enjoy the pool without worrying about holding on to your kiddo for dear life. This is also great for anyone watching two little ones because you can be hands-free and ready to play with the older one. Now, if you have to have your baby attached to your body, it can at least be while you're cooling off in the pool instead of just having your two sticky, hot, and sweaty bodies smushed together. A Slammo game set if you're not a lay-on-the-beach-and-do-nothing-all-day kind of person. This volleyball-like game will keep the whole beach crew active. Let the games begin! Some mesh food covers to help protect the food you spent hours cooking from little buggers who always like to make an appearance when they smell BBQ sauce.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Boston Globe
‘Dangerous Animals': DoorDash for sharks
However, I must mention that Stuart Gordon's grisly splatter masterpiece, 'Re-Animator' also played at Cannes 40 years ago. But that film didn't run in the esteemed 'Directors' Fortnight' section like this one. Considering that the violent, gory genre mashup ' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Jai Courtney as Tucker in 'Dangerous Animals.' (AMC) Mark Taylor/AMC Advertisement Byrne takes his time with screenwriter Nick Lepard's story. We don't discover Tucker's sadistic execution method of choice until around the 40-minute mark. To keep us on edge, there's a cheeky pre-credits sequence that establishes Tucker's murderous credentials. That opening scene introduces us to Heather (Ella Newton), a naïve tourist talked into going on Tucker's 'Swimming With Sharks' tour by the hunky guy accompanying her. When Tucker asks if they're a couple, Heather's hesitant reaction reveals that the guy is what the folks Down Under refer to as 'her bonk.' Advertisement There's something off about Tucker. He seems amiable, but he asks questions that imply that Heather and her hook-up might be in danger. During the pre-boat conversation, he establishes that no one will miss these two people if they suddenly disappear. There's just enough menace mixed in to make observant people uneasy. He even makes the children's song 'Baby Shark' more terrifying than it already is. Unfortunately for Heather, she can't hear the audience screaming 'Don't get on that boat, you fool!' After the duo visit the sharks in the typical shark-diving cave, Tucker stabs the guy to death and takes Heather hostage out on the open seas. Hassie Harrison as Zephyr and Josh Heuston as Moses in 'Dangerous Animals.' AMC Next, we meet our hero/Final Girl, Zephyr (Hassie Harrison). She's a blonde surfer girl loner who fled to Australia for the tasty waves and the solitude. Her introduction is timed with a hilarious needle drop I won't reveal. And her Meet Cute with real estate agent Moses (Josh Heuston) hinges on blackmail: Either she'll allow Moses to use her jumper cables to restart his car, or he'll tell the 7-Eleven clerk she shoplifted. 'Trust me, I'm not a serial killer,' he tells her. Since the movie only has room for one madman, Zephyr believes him. Then she jumps his bones in her massive van. After ghosting him the next morning as he's making her breakfast, Zephyr runs afoul of Tucker. He knocks her out, and she wakes up handcuffed on his boat next to Heather. Since she rocked his world so splendidly the night before, Moses becomes obsessed with finding out where Zephyr disappeared to in the morning. Like Heather, he's about to do something dumb simply because the sex was good. Advertisement Once Zephyr is captured, 'Dangerous Animals' becomes a cat and mouse game between her and Tucker. Since they're both loners, he sees a connection. 'You're a fighter,' he tells her, which makes his sadistic game more fun. Hassie Harrison as Zephyr and Jai Courtney as Tucker in 'Dangerous Animals.' AMC The film was shot on a real boat, so the location's interiors are claustrophobic but visually dull. But cinematographer Shelley Farthing-Dawe does wonders when we're not stuck inside. There are gorgeous images of the beach and the ocean. Tucker's boat is framed like an ugly orange aberration interrupting the blue majesty of sea and sky. The actors are often shot in close-up, which adds to the trapped feeling. At one point, Farthing-Dawe's lighting gives Tucker's hair a spiky halo as he's monologuing to one of his victims. The cinematography can't help the CGI sharks, though. They look faker than 'Jaws''s infamous star, Bruce the Shark. Kasra Rassoulzadegan's playful yet ominous editing is effective, even if the jump scares become redundant. And Michael Yezerski's rumbling score, while occasionally reminiscent of 'Dangerous Animals' falters by never gives Tucker a reason for his extreme, shark-based misogyny, nor does it make Zephyr an especially compelling Final Girl. Though Courtney and Harrison give their all, this is a slick-looking yet routine exercise that wastes an ideal premise. ★★1/2 DANGEROUS ANIMALS Directed by Sean Byrne. Written by Nick Lepard. Starring Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton. At AMC Boston Common, Alamo Drafthouse Seaport. 98 min. R (brutal shark violence, steamy human sex) Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe's film critic.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Franklin 'Key Influencer' flies in jet ahead of Blue Angels air show at Smyrna Airport
Imagine flying in a Blue Angle Navy jet leading up The Great Tennessee Air Show June 7-8 at Smyrna Airport. That's the flight opportunity Jaime Motes experienced June 4 in honor of her role as the "Key Influencer" of the airshow as founder of Lexcare Hearing Foundation, which helps veterans, senior citizens and underserved children, who have experienced hearing loss. Motes rode behind Blue Angel Pilot Seven Scott Laux, a major in the U.S. Marines for probably the most exciting ride of her life. The major will serve as the Blue Angels narrator on the ground for the air show, speaking to an estimated 25,000 people expected to attend each day on Saturday and Sunday. To prepare for the flight, Motes went through training that she said included exercises in "squeezing and breathing and not pulling ejection handles," with Blue Angel Seven Crew Chief Tamara Perez. "I feel prepared," said Motes, a Franklin resident who's founder of LexCare Hearing and foundation by the same name. "Some people were nervous of practicing the breathing in front of people, but when you've given birth in front of people, it's kind of nothing." 2023 air show in Smyrna: Blue Angels return for 2nd time to Smyrna air show since death of Capt. Jeff Kuss Motes praised the pilot and crew chief for helping her know what to expect for the "memorable experience." "It was amazing," Motes said. "The ascent was absolutely my favorite. Then seeing the earth inverted. Then G-force 2, 3, 4 then 5.9. It's an out-of-body experience. I am so thankful that I did it." Motes said she's thankful for the Blue Angels, The Great Tennessee Air Show and event spokesman Jim Havey. Motes prior to flying in the Blue Angel was present with her adult daughter, Lexi Vernon, who's the inspiration behind the mother's business and foundation. "This girl, is the girl behind the mission, bilaterial cochlear implant recipient, and just an amazing young lady," Motes said. "We're very honored to be selected as the influencer rider." The daughter said she's proud of the foundation and "super excited" about her mom's opportunity to ride in the Seven Blue Angel. "We've changed so many lives just because of what I went through and hoping no one else has to go through that experience," Vernon said. "I think people should make sure they get their hearing checked right when they're born and not missed, and if you do that you should be set for life. And if you have to get a cochlear implant, it's OK." The humanitarian work of Lexcare Hearing Foundation includes over 200 free outreach services at VA clinics, military installations and air shows, Motes said. "We've done over 100 air shows served with the mobile clinic," said Motes, noting the outreach provides "free hearing screenings, free hearing protection, and really changing mind sets for people." The foundation also has a care team that follows people through their life of hearing, Motes said. "So we want people to know it's very important to hear," Motes said. "It's very important to take care of your hearing health." Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@ To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 7-8 Where: Smyrna Airport Traffic note: Sam Ridley Parkway by the airport, including the connections to parkway from Lowry Street, which is part of U.S. Highway 41, will be closed from 2:30-5 p.m. Expected attendance each day: 25,000 Tickets: $60 for adults and $40 for children Main attraction: Pilots flying Navy Blue Angels that are Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet jets with ground narration from fellow Blue Angels pilot Scott Laux, a major in the U.S. Marines Other attractions: Fat Albert C-130J Super Hercules; USAF F-35A Demo with Heritage Flight; U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight; U.S. Navy Legacy Flight; U.S. Navy Growler Demo with Legacy Flight; Ace Maker T-33; Jack Aces Three Ship P-51 Demo; Detroit DC-3; David Windmiller, Extra 300L; Rich Dawe - Jet Provost Aerobatics Static attractions to examine from ground include: police helicopters and vehicle; Middle Tennessee State University's Plane Cirrus SR22 (2); Eagleville Gliders; Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star; North American T-6 Texan; Grumman F4F Wildcat; USAF C-17; Navy EA-18 Growler Another ground attraction area: Steam Zone with aircraft, watercraft, simulators, robotics, drone education, a kids play area, concessions with food and beverage offerings, souvenir booths, and exhibitors What more to know: Great Tennessee Air Show One-Day Passes and Premium options — including the Flight Line Club featuring a catered premier tent — are available by visiting Source: The Great Tennessee Airshow spokesman Jim Harvey This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Navy Blue Angels jet flies 'Key Influencer' ahead of Great TN Air Show
