Last Friday, the Air Force released its proposed realignment plans for next year, under which Tyndall Air Force Base will lose 588 military jobs.

Janet Watermeier, executive director of the Economic Development Alliance, says, "That's about a $20,000,000 economic impact annually in wages that are not going to be spent in the economy."

The job losses go hand-in-hand with the Air Force's decision to retire 48 of Tyndall's F-15 fighter jets by the end of next year. That hits home with some business owners who rely on a steady stream of military personnel.

Shiela Bond, owner of JRS Management, says, "We're losing probably about 25-30% of our income, which is a big chunk, especially with the economy the way it is today." Mona McDaniel, owner of the "Off Base" Barber Shop, says, "It may affect it a little bit, but we're very well established."

Airmen make up about 70% of the customers served at the Off-Base Barber Shop in Parker. But McDaniel contends the effects of the job cuts won't be drastic: "We do a lot of retirees, law enforcement, firefighters, so we'll just do whatever we have to do."

During his visit to the base last week, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said Tyndall is being considered for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter bed-down. Economic development officials say there are some bright spots in Bay County's future that could help the local economy. Watermeier says, "We have an expanding port, we have a brand new airport, they're going to open up opportunities that are going to be able to attract companies."

It remains to be seen if those new opportunities will make up the military job loses, or if the Air Force has something more in mind for Tyndall.

The realignment process will actually see job increases at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. Eglin is currently slated as the new home of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Bay Defense Alliance President Tom Neubauer says he is convinced Tyndall will have missions, but it might take some time to get them.