{"id":59030,"date":"2025-04-24T21:20:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T21:20:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=59030"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:16:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T15:16:08","slug":"high-vibes-at-flamingo-fest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/high-vibes-at-flamingo-fest\/","title":{"rendered":"High Vibes at Flamingo Fest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since 2012, Flamingo Fest has closed out Florida\u2019s winter skydiving season with a bang.  As Skydive City\u2019s signature event, it showcases all disciplines of the sport, offering organized jumps in Freefly, Angle, RW, Novelty, Wingsuit, Wingsuit Trapeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Raymond Adams captures the ground vibes at Flamingo Fest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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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 \u201cTex\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Sherpa delivered an excellent experience
Photo by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Each day had its own costume theme, and the evenings didn\u2019t 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\u2019s fireworks, DJ Evans brought the party to the Birdhouse, the DZ\u2019s community hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Bruno Brokken <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alethia takes a vertical group while Jake Carlton flies creative outside camera
Photo by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Matt Leonard and Tex taking advantage of the swoop pond at Zhills
Photo by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2014elevating the experience for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The sun sets on a great day at Flamingo Fest
Photo by Norman Kent <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Next year\u2019s dates are already released. You can follow Zhills on Instagram<\/a> or Facebook<\/a>. Make sure to check out Flamingo Fest 2026!<\/p>\n\n\n

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