Your drive home might be a little faster today. Cars are traveling once again on the Selmon Extension. We got word early this morning that extension would be open for the evening rush hour. This was posted to the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority:
As previously reported, the Expressway Authority closed the Extension after a routine inspection revealed two horizontal wires that had come loose from its anchors. THEA's team of engineers determined that the repair is a minor one and that it is safe for traffic to be on the structure. The Extension is designed to have maintenance and repairs done inside the roadway with live traffic overhead.
THEA plans to open the roadway after rush hour this morning to be ready for Thursday evening commuters. Crews will remove the barrels blockading the entrances and update the variable message boards to alert drivers that the Extension is open.
THEA would like to express its profound gratitude to the community for its patience. In an abundance of caution, we closed the Selmon Extension to conduct due diligence on what, thankfully, turned out to be a minor issue. We are committed to offering a safer, smarter, and more connected ride to our commuters on both sides of the Bay.
Air Fest is back this weekend at MacDill. There are no tickets needed - it's totally free. But if you're heading to MacDill for the first time there are some good things to know before you go! Any other tips you can think of we should share? Tweet @GenoRadio and I'll include yours too!
#10: Leave the cooler home.
(Photo by Stephen Morton/Getty Images)You can't bring it in unless it's for medical supplies or infant formula. You can bring snacks in though. On site they'll be selling burgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, pizza, drinks and desserts.
#9: Find a buddy with a boat.
Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesIf you can pull this off, this is the best way to watch! Just pay attention to the marked zones to avoid a costly ticket.
#8: Wear comfortable shoes.
Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesYou're going to do a lot of walking. Probably a lot more than you'd anticipate.
#7: Early birds win.
Fresco/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesThe line to get in is pretty legendary. Don't twist your neck trying to watch the jets fly by through your car windows. Gates open at 8am. Opening ceremonies start at noon. The Blue Angels fly at 3pm.
#6: Bike in!
Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesA super smart way to avoid the traffic. Get a little exercise and get in and out fast!
#5: Uber and Lyft are not the way to do it.
Matthew Horwood/Getty ImagesWhile it's not forbidden, it's probably not a smart idea to use ride sharing apps since there is a limited number of entry and exit points.
#4: Hydrate!
Scott Olson/Getty Images)Bring lots of bottled water or just a container - there will be stations with chilled water. No alcohol is allowed in though. But you can buy it at AirFest. Beer prices range from $5 (16 oz.) to $8 (22 oz.).
#3: Pretend you're going to the beach.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)You think of it when you're headed to the beach, but bring all that stuff to the show... beach hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a folding chair... the works! There is not much shade.
#2: Don't go crazy with big cameras.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesYou're going to take a ton of photos. While you CAN bring a fancy camera with one of those big lens, large camera bags are not permitted.
#1: Save a trip back to the car... or worse back home.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty ImagesForbidden items include anything that can be used as a weapon (obviously), laser pointers, drones, fireworks, pets, grills, glass, and as mentioned before, alcohol.
Listener tip: Protect those ears!
Chris Furlong/Getty ImagesFrom listener Rana: "If you are taking small children with you, take earplugs… years ago when my daughter was young , she cried it was so loud (it hurt her ears) and I had to leave."
