High Vibes at Flamingo Fest

Flamingo Fest 2025 at Skydive City in Zephyrhills delivered the perfect blend of high-level skydiving and vibrant festival energy. With 241 registered participants from 12 countries, the event celebrated the global skydiving community in style.

Since 2012, Flamingo Fest has closed out Florida’s winter skydiving season with a bang. As Skydive City’s signature event, it showcases all disciplines of the sport, offering organized jumps in Freefly, Angle, RW, Novelty, Wingsuit, Wingsuit Trapeze.

Raymond Adams captures the ground vibes at Flamingo Fest

Now under new ownership, Skydive City went big this year, flying five turbine aircraft including the rare Sherpa. The coaching roster featured names like Jake Carlton, Jesse “Tex” Leos, Alethia Austin, Matt Leonard, and more. Skydiving legend Norman Kent was on-site capturing breathtaking visuals, and over 2,300 jumps were made across three exhilarating days. Tommy Papatango brought the good vibes, often seen either performing wingsuit stunts or capturing content with his signature energy. Vendors included Tonysuits, Icarus Canopies, Wawa Productions, iFly Tampa, and Deep & Steep.

The Sherpa delivered an excellent experience
Photo by Norman Kent

Each day had its own costume theme, and the evenings didn’t disappoint. The DZ provided saunas for skydivers after long days of jumping. Skydive City hosted nightly parties, often headlined by local favorite Blair Bear Anessi of Wawa Productions. After Saturday’s fireworks, DJ Evans brought the party to the Birdhouse, the DZ’s community hub.

Zhills is made for festival-style boogies. Its expansive grassy layout, shaded packing areas, trailer hookups, and ample outdoor space make it a natural gathering place for both skydiving and connection.

Alethia takes a vertical group while Jake Carlton flies creative outside camera
Photo by Norman Kent

This year, a Kyrgyz-style wood-fired mobile sauna added something special to the Thursday and Friday night lineup providing not just recovery, but connection and warmth around the bonfire.

Matt Leonard and Tex taking advantage of the swoop pond at Zhills
Photo by Norman Kent

One of the most impressive elements of the weekend? The manifest and office crew. Managing a crowd of this size is no easy feat, yet the staff remained calm, friendly, and incredibly efficient throughout. Their professionalism made a noticeable impact—elevating the experience for everyone.